Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Former BMC Administrator Criticizes Prolonged Rule, Calls for Timely Elections
A former manager of Mumbai's city government, Mr. Sukthankar, said that having a temporary manager run the city for over three years is really bad.
He thinks it's unfair to voters and delays important decisions.
When he was in charge, he only made small decisions and didn't do big things that should be decided by elected officials.
He thinks elections should happen quickly, within a year, so that the people's voices can be heard again.
He also said it's important for temporary managers to be open to people's concerns and not act like they will be in charge forever.
D. M. Sukthankar, former BMC administrator, labeled over three years of administrator's rule as scandalous and shameful.
He believes prolonged administrator's rule is undemocratic, delays major decisions, and goes against the spirit of local self-government.
During his term, Sukthankar avoided major projects, long-term policy decisions, and fiscal changes, deferring them to elected bodies.
He emphasized the importance of transparency through approachability and accessibility to the public during administrator's rule.
Sukthankar advocates for Municipal Corporation elections to be held regularly, ideally within one year of the elected body's supersession.
- Who
- D. M. Sukthankar, Former State Chief Secretary and first-ever administrator for BMC
- What
- Critiqued the prolonged administrator's rule over Municipal Corporations
- When
- In recent statements regarding impending Municipal Corporation elections after over three years of administrator's rule
- Where
- Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other major municipal bodies
- Why
- Believes prolonged administrator's rule is undemocratic, delays major decisions, and is shameful
Proponents of Administrator's Rule
Supporters of Timely Elections
Purpose of Administrator's Rule
Proponents of Administrator's Rule
To maintain stability and prevent chaos during political vacuum
Supporters of Timely Elections
To ensure democratic principles and public representation
Duration of Administrator's Rule
Proponents of Administrator's Rule
Can be extended based on necessity
Supporters of Timely Elections
Should not exceed one year
- Administrator's Rule Duration
- Over three years for BMC and other municipal bodies
- Former Administrator's Stance
- Prolonged rule is scandalous, shameful, and contrary to democratic principles
- Administrator's Role During Term
- Avoided major projects, long-term policy decisions, and fiscal changes
- Transparency Measure
- Making oneself approachable and accessible to the public
- Recommended Election Period
- Within one year of supersession