The Belagavi City Corporation general body meeting on Wednesday was disrupted by malfunctioning microphones, a non-functional air-conditioning system and faulty fans, leaving corporators and officials uncomfortable.
The meeting, presided over by Mayor Preeti Kamakar, faced microphone problems from the beginning, with unclear audio repeatedly interrupting the proceedings. The Mayor questioned officials over why repairs ordered during the previous meeting had not been completed.
BJP corporator Ravi Dothre also questioned the Corporation’s maintenance arrangements, pointing out that even basic facilities such as microphones and air conditioning were not functioning properly.
With the AC not working, a cooler was brought in, but it reportedly interfered with the microphones and had to be switched off. Fans were then used as members continued the meeting in the heat.
Corporators demanded that all essential equipment in the council hall be inspected and repaired before future meetings.
Heated exchange after meeting
The meeting was followed by a heated verbal exchange between Corporation Development Wing Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Nippanikar and MIM corporator Shahid Khan Pathan over remarks made during the discussion on development works.
Nippanikar reportedly objected to comments she felt were directed at her personally, including a remark questioning her ability to perform her duties. The exchange continued after the meeting, with BJP corporators stepping in to calm the situation.