<h1>Audit alleges Rs 200 crore loss from municipal corporation due to grant misuse, budget mismanagement and payments to blacklisted firm</h1> An audit of the municipal corporation for 2023-24 alleges financial irregularities causing about Rs 200 crore loss to the state, citing misuse of state grants, budget mismanagement and irregular payments including to a blacklisted firm. The report was forwarded to the urban development secretary, the accountant general and divisional authorities and sent to the municipal administration for action. The municipal body says it is preparing a point-by-point response and will punish culpable officials if deficiencies are found. An opposition spokesperson accused the mayor of mass corruption linked to a major religious event; the mayor denied the charges as politically motivated.