Ambika Das, the Chairperson of the Nilgiris NAC, faced a no-confidence vote today, which resulted in her removal from office. Out of 13 councilors, 10 voted to remove her, while one voted to retain her position, and two abstained.
The Nilgiris NAC consists of 13 wards, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holding 9 seats, the BJP claiming 3, and Congress securing 1. Previously, Ambika Das, a BJD member, held the chairperson role; however, she faced mounting criticism for her inaction and lack of progress within the NAC.
Furthermore, voting occurred under the supervision of the Upazilapal at the Nilgiris NAC office, where all 11 councilors participated. The results revealed widespread discontent, as 10 councilors expressed their support for the no-confidence motion.
In addition, the political landscape shifted dramatically after former BJD member Satish Khatua joined the BJP following his exclusion from the last general election. Khatua, who is now an elected MLA, raised concerns about alleged corruption and inefficiency under Das’s leadership.
After the vote, Khatua declared, “Wherever there is injustice and corruption, the BJP will stand against it.” He went on to criticize Das’s administration, stating, “The chairperson has failed to perform her duties effectively, and significant corruption has taken root.” Moreover, he highlighted the struggles of local shopkeepers, noting that they have had to sell their goods on the roadside to survive.
Ultimately, the no-confidence vote reflects a growing demand for accountability and better governance within the Nilgiris NAC, as councilors work diligently to address the issues plaguing their community.