Controversy continues to rage over stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma’s allegation of corruption in the BMC — an allegation he posted on Twitter two days ago, as he hailed PM Narendra Modi and taunted him about ‘achhe din’, saying BMC officials had demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to allow constructions his office. The BMC has fired its own salvos at the TV star, and said they had issued a notice to stop work since he did not have permission.

In the midst of all the accusations and counter accusations, the real reason why this controversy started should not be obfuscated. We must take a closer look at the corruption within the BMC and hold tainted officers responsible. The BMC claims it has taken a serious view of the allegation and Sharma has been asked to lodge a formal complaint and identify the officer who asked him for a bribe.