Some of the countries mentioned above, he has visited twice in the last 12 months. Leader of the Opposition Javed Ahmed Khan said: “We always keep on asking why he is visiting abroad so frequently even though the visits are not related with the KMC work. All these trips are for seminars and goodwill missions, where the mayor of the city is not supposed to go.”

He added: “Several decisions have been put on hold for the absence of mayor in the corporation. During emergencies, the city mayor usually remains out of reach.”

Bhattacharya, however, has a different take. “I visit other countries to project Kolkata on the world map. No mayor of Kolkata has showcased the city at a global platform so far. Kolkata should learn from metropolitan cities of other countries,” he said. The mayor added: “We are yet to implement the projects, I have seen in other countries, due to lack of political will and stiff resistance by the people.”

The Opposition councillors, on the other hand, slam his remarks. “Instead of working in his office and ensure the development of the city, the mayor prefers to project the city at global seminars,” said a councillor. “It does not matter to him that Kolkata does not have urban governance, upgraded drainage and sewerage system, proper footpaths and above all environment management,” he added.

The Opposition also pointed out that Bhattacharya never took a team of engineers or MMiC (members mayor-in-council) of various departments with him for introducing them to development projects of other countries.

... contd.