‘Not A Member, Still Present’: Councillor’s Husband At Jamalpur Ward Meeting Sparks Row

A controversy has erupted after Dr Vasim Thakor, husband of Congress councillor Naznin Thakor, was reportedly present at the monthly meeting of the Jamalpur Ward Committee. A photograph from the meeting has gone viral, prompting questions over his alleged involvement in ward-level affairs.

The monthly meeting of the Jamalpur Ward Committee was held on August 21 at the conference hall of the Danapith Central Zone office under the chairmanship of the Assistant Municipal Commissioner. Corporation officials and municipal councillors attended the meeting.

However, a photograph showing Vasim Thakor at the meeting has now raised questions over how he was allowed to attend a ward committee meeting where the presence is generally restricted to concerned civic officials and councillors.

Earlier row over entry into meeting

Vasim Thakor’s reported presence at the meeting is allegedly not the first instance of controversy surrounding his entry into ward committee proceedings.

There had reportedly been a verbal altercation between Thakor and a civic official over his entry into an earlier meeting. Despite claims that only elected councillors were permitted under protocol, Thakor had reportedly questioned why he could not attend the meeting.

MLA’s remarks had also triggered controversy

Earlier, Jamalpur MLA Imran Khedawala had commented on the field-level activities of woman councillor Naznin Thakor, saying that since she had been elected, she should be sent into the field to carry out public work.

The remarks had reportedly angered Vasim Thakor, who was said to have threatened to contest the next election as an independent candidate instead of representing the BJP or Congress.

A verbal altercation between Thakor and city Congress president Sonal Patel had also reportedly taken place amid the controversy.

‘Patiraj’ controversy over mobile number

Earlier, another controversy had erupted after a mobile number attributed to Vasim Thakor was reportedly printed in the civic corporation diary instead of councillor Naznin Thakor’s number.

The incident had sparked the ‘Patiraj’ discussion, referring to allegations of the councillor’s husband having an influential role in ward affairs.

The latest photograph showing Thakor at the ward committee meeting has now brought the issue back into focus.

Questions over alleged interference

There is also discussion that some civic officials in the Jamalpur ward are reportedly unhappy with Vasim Thakor’s alleged increasing involvement in ward-related matters. Sources have reportedly claimed that complaints regarding the issue were also raised with senior civic officials.

The latest controversy has raised questions over how Vasim Thakor was allowed to enter the ward committee meeting and whether civic officials will take any action regarding his presence.