Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands August 1, 2025 — In a high-level meeting held at the BJP state headquarters, newly appointed BJP President Anil Tiwari convened with municipal councillors from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to deliberate on pressing governance challenges, including the ongoing power crisis, budgetary constraints, and the roadmap for regional development.
Power Crisis and Infrastructure Gaps Councillors expressed deep concern over frequent power outages affecting both urban and rural constituencies. The lack of reliable electricity supply has disrupted essential services and hampered economic activity. Tiwari acknowledged the severity of the issue and assured that he would escalate the matter to the central leadership, emphasizing the need for infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy integration.
Budget Constraints and Fiscal Planning The meeting also highlighted the financial strain faced by local bodies. Councillors reported delays in fund disbursement and a lack of clarity on capital expenditure allocations. Tiwari proposed the formation of a fiscal review committee to assess municipal budgets and recommend sustainable financial strategies. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for increased grant-in-aid from the central government to support stalled development projects.
Regional Development and Governance Reform A key agenda item was the revival of the Pradesh Council system, which Tiwari has championed since taking office. He argued that reinstating a council with executive powers would enhance local governance and accelerate welfare implementation. Councillors supported the proposal, citing administrative bottlenecks under the current three-tier panchayat system.
Political Consensus and Future Action The meeting concluded with a resolution to convene an all-party dialogue aimed at forging consensus on development priorities. Tiwari emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration and grassroots engagement, stating, “Our mission is not just political—it’s about restoring public trust through tangible progress.”
