Mumbai: Deputy Mayor Demands BMC commissioner's Resignation After Rain-Related Fatalities

Ghadi, a leader of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), said the civic administration must be held accountable for the incidents and accused it of failing to ensure public safety. During a visit to one of the accident sites, he expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged delay in rescue operations and warned that negligence endangering citizens' lives would not be tolerated.

He also urged the BMC to take strict legal action against those responsible, including contractors and officials found guilty of lapses. Ghadi maintained that the Municipal Commissioner should take responsibility for the failures and reiterated his demand for her resignation.

The demand has triggered political debate, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) MLA Milind Narvekar defending Bhide. In a social media post, Narvekar said the fatal manhole accident in Saki Naka was deeply disturbing and that strict action should be taken against the local officials responsible. However, he questioned whether it was appropriate to hold the Municipal Commissioner personally accountable without first investigating local-level negligence.

Responding to the criticism, Bhide said the administration had already initiated action and acknowledged that the civic body bears responsibility for public safety. However, she argued that it was impractical for the Municipal Commissioner to personally inspect every location across the city.

Bhide said that manhole safety has been a priority in regular review meetings and that each ward had been instructed to monitor the installation of protective grilles. Following the recent incidents, she added, the BMC has ordered a special drive to carry out a 100% inspection of all manholes across Mumbai and implement preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.