In the Firozabad Municipal Corporation of Uttar Pradesh, BJP Councilor Usha Devi Shankhwar staged a sit-in—angered by the neglect of development works and the water crisis—and had her head tonsured at the gate.
उत्तर प्रदेश में अपनी हे सरकार के खिलाफ BJP महिला पार्षद ने विकास न होने से नाराज होकर कराया मुंडन
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently made claims regarding development and good governance; however, a protest staged by a female councilor—herself a member of the BJP—at the Firozabad Municipal Corporation has raised serious questions concerning local development works and basic amenities.
A major protest regarding development works and water-related issues was witnessed at the Firozabad Municipal Corporation. On Tuesday, Usha Devi Shankhwar, a female BJP councilor, staged a sit-in demonstration at the main gate of the municipal office and subsequently had her head tonsured. During the protest, she became visibly emotional and was seen breaking down in tears on several occasions. The councilor alleged persistent neglect and discrimination regarding development works in her constituency.
The situation escalated to such an extent that an atmosphere of chaos prevailed within the municipal corporation premises for nearly two hours. Eventually, Municipal Commissioner Prashant Nagar arrived at the scene and brought the sit-in to an end by assuring the protesters that their grievances would be resolved.
Protest Erupts Over Water Crisis
Usha Devi Shankhwar, the BJP councilor representing the Azad Nagar Ward, arrived at the Municipal Corporation office around 11:00 AM on Tuesday. She raised the issues of stalled development works and the acute water crisis in her area before officials from the Construction Department.
Meanwhile, several men and women from the locality arrived at the Water Works Department office to lodge complaints regarding the water shortage. Local residents alleged that water supply from the Nagla Vishnu overhead tank is available for only 10 to 15 minutes each morning; consequently, people are facing immense difficulties in bathing and performing daily chores amidst the scorching summer heat.
The councilor stated that demands for the construction of a new water tank in the area have been pending for the past three years. She noted that several written representations had been submitted, yet no concrete action has been taken to date.
Sit-in at Municipal Gate Followed by Tonsuring
Upon failing to receive a satisfactory response from the officials, the councilor, accompanied by local residents, staged a sit-in demonstration at the main gate of the Municipal Corporation. The protest continued until approximately 12:00 PM. Subsequently, around 12:30 PM, she had her head tonsured by a young man present at the scene.
The incident of tonsuring caused a stir within the Municipal Corporation premises. In view of the unfolding situation, the enforcement team halted vehicular movement through the main gate. Assistant Municipal Commissioner Nihal Chandra also arrived at the scene, but the Councilor remained adamant in her demand that the Mayor be summoned.
During the incident, she also accused the Mayor’s representative of negligence and, breaking down in tears on several occasions, declared that if her grievances were not resolved, she would go to the extent of committing suicide within the Municipal Corporation premises.
Other Councilors Arrive; Municipal Commissioner Offers Assurance
Upon receiving news of the entire incident, several others—including fellow BJP Councilors Munendra Yadav, Naresh Sharma ‘Neetu’, Ashish Diwakar, and Deshdeepak Yadav—rushed to the spot. The Councilors expressed their displeasure over various issues, including the failure to regularly convene House and Executive Committee meetings within the Municipal Corporation.
Observing the escalating situation, Municipal Commissioner Prashant Nagar arrived at the protest site. He stated that teams from the Construction and Water Works departments had been dispatched to the location to investigate the issues raised by the Councilor from Ward 6. He assured that appropriate action would be taken once the report was received.
The Municipal Commissioner further clarified that development works within the Municipal Corporation are undertaken based on the availability of funds. Following these assurances from the officials, the sit-in protest was called off, and the Councilor was escorted home in an official vehicle.
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