Nashik civic body plans to hold general body meetings online after PM’s austerity appeal; corporators from all parties oppose move

Nashik: In a significant shift in functioning, Nashik Municipal Corporation has decided to conduct its monthly general body meetings online, drawing sharp opposition from corporators across party lines, including members of the ruling alliance.

The decision, taken by mayor Himgauri Aaher, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption and promote virtual governance by minimising travel. The upcoming general body (GB) meeting scheduled for May 20 will be held online from the standing committee hall at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan.

While the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) had adopted virtual meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–21, this marks the first time in nearly five years that the format is being revived under normal circumstances.

The move has triggered strong resistance. Shiv Sena (UBT) was the first to object, followed by corporators from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is part of the ruling BJP alliance in NMC.

Shiv Sena corporator Rahul Dive submitted a memorandum to town secretary Sanjay Nerkar, demanding that the meeting be held physically as per convention. “If the aim is to save fuel, corporators can travel in groups or use electric vehicles. Conducting the general body meeting online is not a practical solution,” Dive said, adding that virtual meetings restrict effective participation and are prone to technical glitches.

He also questioned the decision politically, stating that alliance with BJP does not mean unconditional support. “Such decisions should be practical and productive,” he said.

UBT group leader Keshav Porje also met municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri, urging reconsideration of the decision. According to Porje, the commissioner has assured that discussions will be held with the mayor on the issue.

Porje further alleged that the move is aimed at avoiding accountability. “During Covid, BJP and Shiv Sena politicians had criticised online meetings. Now, without any such constraints, they are opting for a virtual format,” he said.

He linked the decision to delays in Kumbh Mela-related works, claiming that several projects remain incomplete. “Key questions on slow progress would have been raised in the GB meeting. This appears to be an attempt to avoid scrutiny,” Porje alleged.

With opposition mounting from multiple quarters, it remains uncertain whether the civic administration will revisit the decision or proceed with the online meeting as planned.