Mayor Afzal Imam. Telegraph picture

Mayor Afzal Imam would in all probability face a no-confidence motion after June 10.

According to the norms of governing urban local bodies in the state, the Opposition can bring a no-confidence motion against the mayor after two years of his/her tenure. Ward councillors in the Opposition, including former deputy mayor Vinay Kumar Pappu, Deepak Chaurasiya and former mayor Sanjay Kumar are up in arms to remove Afzal.

“Though the norms require signature of only one-third of the total number of ward councillors (72) to bring the no-confidence motion against the mayor but there are more than 50 councillors, who are in favour of bringing it against Imam. He has utterly failed to deliver during his tenure over the past two years and that is the reason why we want him to be removed,” said Pappu.

Though the Opposition is trying everything in its hands to bring the no-confidence motion against Imam, he seemed confident to defeat the motion. “Bringing the no-confidence motion is a democratic process and I welcome it. I would also like to add that the all sorts of allegations against me are totally baseless,” said Imam.

According to Section 25 (4) of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, a no-confidence motion can be brought against the mayor upon a requisition made in writing by not less than one-third of the total number of ward councillors. Once the requisition is submitted to the mayor, he is required to recommend to the municipal commissioner within seven days to call a special meeting. The commissioner would then be required to call the special meeting within 15 days.

During the meeting, a debate would be held between the two sides, which is to be followed by voting for the no-confidence motion. If more than 37 ward councillors vote for the motion, then the incumbent mayor would be removed and the municipal commissioner would recommend to the state urban development and housing department to hold fresh elections for the civic body.