Mumbai, February 5, 2025: The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) has sharply criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Budget 2025-26, calling it a document of hollow promises that fails to address the core concerns of Mumbai’s citizens. According to Mahesh Tapase, Chief Spokesperson of the NCP (SP), the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) & NCP ( Ajit Pawar) government has once again prioritized grand infrastructure projects while turning a blind eye to the city’s deteriorating civic conditions.

Potholes and Failing Infrastructure: A Persistent Crisis

Despite large allocations for road concretization, Mumbai continues to suffer from pothole-ridden streets that turn deadly during monsoons. "Every year, crores are spent, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged. How can citizens trust that this year’s allocation won’t be another opportunity for corruption?" questioned Tapase.

Air Quality Crisis: No Concrete Plan in Sight

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains alarmingly poor, yet pollution mitigation measures in the budget are seen as mere token gestures. "Water tankers and misting machines cannot combat the rising pollution caused by unchecked construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial waste. Where is the long-term strategy for cleaner air?" he added.

Neglected Civic Services: Drainage and Waste Management in Disarray

The BMC budget claims to allocate funds for stormwater drainage, but Mumbaikars continue to endure waterlogging during monsoons. Additionally, garbage disposal remains a mounting issue, as waste management fails despite increased financial allocations. 

Skyrocketing Costs, Declining Public Services

With healthcare and education facing neglect, the budget offers little hope for improved municipal hospitals and schools. "Mumbai’s public services are shrinking while costs for essential services are rising. Where is the accountability?" asked Tapase.

Pro-Builder Budget: Citizens’ Needs Ignored

This budget document reflects a pro-builder bias, according to the spokesperson of NCP (SP). "This budget benefits developers, not the hardworking citizens of Mumbai. Affordable housing and slum rehabilitation have been sidelined," Tapase asserted.

Call for Transparency and Accountability

The NCP (SP) has demanded a white paper on BMC’s infrastructure spending over the past three years, along with an independent audit of all civic projects. "The people of Mumbai deserve transparency. We will continue to expose the failures of this administration and demand better governance. The budget, far from being a vision for a better Mumbai, has once again prioritized political and commercial interests over the well-being of its residents Tapase concluded.