Ahmedabad – In a scathing pre-election offensive, the Ahmedabad City Congress Committee has released a comprehensive “chargesheet” titled “BJP’s Book of Sins” (ભાજપના પાપની પોથી), targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) two-decade-long governance of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The document outlines 20 major “sins” or failures, ranging from systemic corruption to the collapse of basic urban infrastructure, as the city prepares for upcoming local body elections.

A Legacy of “Unplanned Development” and Corruption

The Congress chargesheet alleges that 20 years of BJP rule have left Ahmedabad’s citizens deprived of fundamental rights and basic facilities. The opposition claims that a “nexus” between BJP leaders, contractors, and officials has replaced genuine public service with a system of kickbacks and “pre-planned” corruption.

“If we were to list every sin, it would take a year,” the document states, before highlighting 20 specific areas of failure.

Infrastructure in Ruins: “Pothole Capital” and “Swimming Pool” Roads

A central theme of the chargesheet is the perceived failure of Ahmedabad as a “Smart City”. Congress claims that:

• Monsoon Mismanagement: Despite spending crores, the city turns into a “swimming pool” every rainy season because 70% of the roads still lack stormwater lines.
• The Hatkeshwar Bridge Scandal: Congress cited the Hatkeshwar Bridge as a “monument of corruption,” noting that the multi-crore structure had to be ordered for demolition shortly after inauguration due to poor construction quality.
• Road Quality: The city has reportedly become the “pothole capital of India,” with roads being washed away after a single rain, leading to a “thug” culture of constant resurfacing that benefits only contractors.

Healthcare and Education: Services on “Ventilator”

The chargesheet paints a grim picture of the city’s social infrastructure:

• VS Hospital Neglect: The iconic V.S. Hospital, established by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, has been left in ruins as part of a deliberate strategy to benefit private hospitals.
• Education Crisis: Municipal schools are described as being in a “deplorable” state, with many being closed down to favor private entities. The opposition further alleges that teachers are used as “audience members” for political events rather than for teaching.
• Health Hazards: Data from 2021 to 2025 reveals a staggering 84,321 recorded cases of vector-borne and water-borne diseases, including dengue, malaria, and cholera.

Social Injustice and Exploitation

Congress has accused the AMC of being “anti-poor,” highlighting the use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of thousands of families and small vendors without providing viable alternatives.

The document also slams the outsourcing model for employment, claiming the BJP has ended permanent recruitment to exploit educated youth through low-paying contracts. Currently, there are reportedly 11,687 vacant posts across various classes in the AMC.

Sensational Claims: Corruption in Death

In one of the most serious allegations, the chargesheet accuses the BJP of “corruption in the crematorium”. It alleges that contractors at 24 municipal crematoriums overcharge for wood while providing only half the required amount, forcing families to witness their loved ones being cremated with rubber tires and old quilts. Despite 15 official notices and two recommendations for blacklisting, the Congress claims these “favored” agencies remain protected by BJP leadership.

Pollution and Fiscal Irresponsibility

The chargesheet notes that while the BJP promised a “Green and Clean Shanghai,” Ahmedabad now ranks poorly in air quality (AQI), even as the corporation spent ₹548.91 crore on air pollution control over five years with zero results. Financially, the AMC has approved budgets totaling ₹1,30,836 crore over 20 years, yet over 54,000 audit objections remain unresolved, suggesting a massive lack of accountability.

A Call for Change

The Congress concludes by urging the people of Ahmedabad to end the “uncontrolled” rule of the BJP. The party promises a “Congress-led (of the people, for the people) AMC” that prioritizes the holistic development and genuine interests of all “Ahmedavadis”.