Following the widespread outrage against the allocation of Rs 3 crore for civic works only in BJP strongholds, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, in his role as the civic administrator, told mid-day on Thursday that the funds can be used only after a new general body is elected. He also sought to assuage the Opposition by allocating Rs 3 crore uniformly to all wards.

Till elections are held, this fund cannot be used,” Chahal told mid-day. I have made this provision for new corporators. Only they can use this fund. Further, since there is a misunderstanding about fund distribution, I have now decided to provide Rs 3 crore for every electoral ward,” Chahal added. On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena and the BJP’s top leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Ashish Shelar got into a twitter spat over mid-day’s exclusive report that revealed the discriminatory budgetary allocation.