Political Tensions Escalate in Bettiah Municipal Corporation as Mayor Alleges Corruption Cover-Up

Bettiah Municipal Corporation has once again found itself at the center of political controversy after a marathon board meeting that lasted nearly seven hours ended without any concrete outcome. Mayor Garima Devi Sikaria has openly blamed political interference and alleged attempts to suppress past corruption worth crores of rupees as the real reason behind the deadlock.

Responding to accusations that she herself was responsible for the meeting remaining inconclusive, Mayor Sikaria launched a sharp counterattack. She stated that certain individuals, who were once part of decisions approving various municipal projects, are now refusing to ratify those very resolutions. According to her, this sudden resistance is not procedural but politically motivated and aimed at burying financial irregularities committed in the past.

Referring to the recently concluded meeting, the mayor said that her repeated appeals to clarify which earlier resolutions were being rejected and on what legal grounds were deliberately ignored. She alleged that those who claim to be responsible for the city’s development are, in fact, obstructing transparency and accountability within the municipal system.

The mayor further stated that the situation has become more concerning as senior political figures, including a sitting Member of Parliament and an RJD MLC, appeared to be speaking in one voice in support of those resisting scrutiny. She emphasized that such unity among leaders on this issue raises serious questions and should be a matter of concern for the citizens of Bettiah.

Garima Sikaria asserted that as per established legislative procedures, any decision passed by the municipal board must be supported with legal reasoning, discussion, and proper justification if it is later opposed. However, dozens of previously approved proposals of both the municipal board and empowered standing committee are now being stalled without valid explanations, which she claims is a deliberate attempt to shield corruption.

Calling the situation deeply troubling, the mayor said that standing with those who are disregarding their own past decisions reflects a disregard for democratic norms and public trust. She added that the continued obstruction has severely impacted development work in the municipal area, turning civic administration into a casualty of ongoing political rivalry.

The mayor announced that she would now take this issue directly to the people of Bettiah. She said that since the citizens have entrusted her with the responsibility of safeguarding the city’s development, it is her duty to expose what she described as “malicious attempts” against the interests of the municipal corporation.

She also reacted strongly to social media narratives that surfaced after the meeting, claiming that misleading and incomplete information was circulated to portray her negatively and even brand her as authoritarian. Garima Sikaria maintained that despite intense pressure from influential figures to bypass legal procedures, her firm stand in favor of the law represents a victory for the people of Bettiah.

According to the mayor, the truth behind the stalled proposals and alleged corruption will soon be placed before the public, and it will ultimately be the citizens who decide who is genuinely committed to development and who is working to conceal past wrongdoings.