Who is Really Opposing Lucknow’s Progress? The Fight Against Corruption and Resistance to Modernization

As the Kumbh Mela unfolds, drawing the world’s attention to Uttar Pradesh, it is deeply concerning that a few councillors in the BJP-led Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) are actively opposing the modernization of the city’s sanitation infrastructure.

At a time when the state is showcasing its commitment to cleanliness, tradition, and progress, these councillors seem more focused on protecting their own vested interests rather than supporting a cleaner, more efficient Lucknow.

Lucknow is set to achieve a historic milestone in urban sanitation. Sources confirm that it is the first city in the country to deploy 150 state-of-the-art street sweeping machines, an initiative that will dramatically improve waste management, reduce dust pollution, and enhance overall city cleanliness.

This ambitious step puts Lucknow at the forefront of mechanized sanitation in India, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.

The introduction of this unprecedented fleet does not require any additional financial burden on the city, nor does it result in the removal of even a single sanitation worker or supervisor.

Every worker is being retained as per the official list provided by the LMC and at higher wages. Each employee will now receive a direct bank transfer of ₹9,850, along with ESI, PF, and bonuses, bringing their total monthly package to ₹12,145.

Despite these benefits, a few councillors continue to resist the change. The real question is—why?

The answer appears to lie in deep-rooted corruption that has plagued the municipal system for years. Reports suggest that a significant number of ghost employees—workers who exist only on paper but whose salaries are withdrawn regularly—have been funneling money into the pockets of certain councillors and municipal officials.

The new transparent payroll system eliminates middlemen, kickbacks, and unofficial transactions, effectively cutting off this hidden source of income. Is this the real reason for their opposition?

Adding to the controversy, there are strong indications that certain municipal officials have aligned with these councillors to obstruct the initiative.

The modernization of sanitation services does not just eliminate ghost employees but also curtails informal payments and backdoor dealings that have sustained this corrupt system for years. Their opposition is not about protecting workers or ensuring better city cleanliness—it is about safeguarding personal financial interests at the cost of public welfare.

The benefits of this transformation are undeniable. For the first time, all major roads and routes will be cleaned day and night, ensuring 24/7 maintenance. Market areas will be cleaned as required, rather than following outdated schedules.

Drain cleaning, which has traditionally involved multiple handling of silt in hazardous conditions, will now be fully mechanized, with super sucker machines mounted on smaller vehicles to access narrow lanes.

This ensures compliance with Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules, reduces manual intervention, and vastly improves efficiency.

However, these few councillors and officials, threatened by the loss of their illegal revenue streams, are now resorting to intimidation and even violence.

A recent incident in Zone 6, where Lucknow Swachhata Abhiyan’s employees were manhandled, highlights the desperation of those clinging to the old, corrupt system.

Sanitation workers, simply performing their duties, were attacked—an appalling attempt to derail the city’s progress. Such actions not only expose the real motives behind the opposition but also raise serious concerns about governance and accountability within the municipal corporation.

As the Kumbh Mela puts Uttar Pradesh on the world stage, Lucknow’s leadership should be working to set an example of modern, efficient urban management. Instead, these few councillors are blocking progress, clinging to outdated, exploitative systems, and prioritizing personal gains over the welfare of the city.

Lucknow deserves better. Its citizens deserve a transparent, efficient, and corruption-free sanitation system. Those opposing this modernization must be held accountable. Why resist a change that benefits everyone—unless it threatens personal profits?

If these councillors and officials truly care about Lucknow’s welfare, they should be supporting this transformation, not fighting against it. Their resistance raises serious concerns—are they working for the people or for themselves?

Lucknow stands at a crossroads. Will its leadership embrace innovation and transparency, or will they cling to an outdated, exploitative system for personal enrichment? The people deserve answers, and the time for accountability is now.