Thane Leaders Demand Live Telecast of Civic General Body Meetings

Opposition parties and political leaders in Thane have renewed their demand for the live-streaming of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) General Body meetings following the approval of a property tax hike and other major proposals without discussion.

The push for transparency gained momentum after the civic body's meeting on August 17, during which a resolution to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for cluster development in Thane was approved alongside the property tax increase. Opposition leaders alleged that significant proposals impacting the city were being passed without adequate deliberation in the house.

On August 19, Manoj Pradhan, Thane president of the NCP (SP), held a press conference to voice opposition to the recent approvals. Pradhan pointed out that the proceedings of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra state legislature are regularly broadcast live, questioning why the TMC has resisted similar measures. He alleged that the administration and ruling leadership were keeping proceedings off-camera to withhold information from the public. Pradhan further claimed that the property tax hike was used to divert attention while the cluster development proposal was pushed through, and he raised concerns over the proposed Floor Space Index (FSI) of 12 under the project.

The demand has also drawn support from across the political spectrum, including BJP leaders and civic officials. Thane deputy mayor Krishna Patil stated that the TMC should not be treated differently from other urban local bodies that broadcast their sessions, adding that citizens have a right to witness how elected representatives discuss and clear projects that directly impact daily life.

Thane Congress chief Rahul Pingale also supported the call, arguing that residents should not have to depend solely on media reports after the fact. Pingale said a live broadcast would provide real-time access to discussions and foster greater trust between the public and their corporators.