Nagpur: The West Nagpur MLA and City Congress President, Vikas Thakre, has brought to light significant irregularities in the working style of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). He asserted that the controversial company, Evey Trans Company, involved in purchasing electoral bonds, is receiving preferential treatment by securing a contract to supply 250 electric buses, operate them for a decade, and manage them with a budget of Rs 1,300 crore.
Thakre’s accusations have prompted the NMC administration to scrutinize the matter closely, leading to a demand for the cancellation of the bidding process. Notably, the bid was awarded to Evey Trans Company despite the involvement of other contenders bidding for the operation of electric buses.
In accordance with regulations, altering the terms of the contract to accommodate additional expenses without compelling reasons is deemed inappropriate. Nevertheless, there are indications that the NMC is contemplating such changes, potentially burdening the city with additional financial obligations annually.
Thakre has approached municipal authorities, urging them to reconsider their decision and potentially reopen the bidding process. He asserts that the connection between the procurement of electoral bonds and the contract awarded raises serious concerns.
Furthermore, Thakre alleges that Evey Trans Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Megha Engineering Company based in Hyderabad, is the beneficiary of the questionable contract.
Failure to address these concerns satisfactorily may result in legal action, as Thakre hints at the possibility of seeking judicial intervention if the bidding process is not rectified promptly.
Moreover, the NMC has extended the deadline for the bidding process, a move perceived by Thakre as an attempt to evade immediate scrutiny, particularly in light of the Lok Sabha elections and the recent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct on March 16. Thakre warned that failure to promptly rectify the bidding process could result in legal repercussions.
