Bhopal BMC Council Meeting Erupts Over LoP Shabista Zaki’s 'I Don’t Take Commission' Remark, BJP Demands Apology

Bhopal’s Municipal Corporation council meeting turned volatile on Saturday as Leader of the Opposition Shabista Zaki sparked outrage with her remark, “I don’t take commission.” The contentious statement erupted during a debate on leasing vacant space for New Market multilevel parking. Mayor-in-Council member Manoj Rathore rebuked Zaki for opposing every proposal, but she maintained she did not engage in commission-taking.

BJP corporators surrounded the chairman’s podium, demanding an apology. Zaki stood firm, refusing to apologize, which led Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi to adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes. He labeled her remarks objectionable, ordered their removal from the proceedings, and threatened stern action if she made similar allegations without proof.

Congress corporators defended Zaki, stating she was referring to herself and dismissing the situation as an unnecessary escalation. District BJP president Ravindra Yati sought clarification on hoarding installations across the city, calling for a comprehensive policy. Sanitation staff shortages and corresponding demands also took center stage.

The meeting barely covered the eighth of 13 questions during Question Hour, with the chairman directing officials to answer the remaining queries separately. Meanwhile, a massive fire erupted after a PNG gas pipeline burst during metro construction in Bhopal, with flames reaching a height of 10 feet.