Nagpur: The Town Hall, Mahal on Wednesday witnessed a terrific uproar during the general meeting of NMC over the issue of corruption of various types. As soon as the proceedings of the house started, the Opposition stormed the well of the house and staged agitation in front of the Mayor’s chair, demanding from NMC that the action- taken- report over rampant corruptions done in terms of Star Bus episode, OCW, fire-wood scam in crematoriums, etc., be tabled in the house.
When the Mayor told the agitators that their demands would be replied after the discussions, the Opposition members remained adamant on their demands. They attacked the NMC, alleging that due to various types of corruption, the public properties have suffered losses, and the NMC as well as the Ruling party is shielding the defaulters and accused, rather than taking action against them. The agitating corporators were holding banners and posters in hands and agitating inside the house.
Who said what?
Vikas Thakre, Opposition leader: In a very aggressive mood, Opposition leader Vikas Thakre raised the issue of Vansh Nimay operated Star Buses and pointed out the rampant corruption committed by the company. He said that the issue was raised about 25 months ago and long discussions over the issue were held; as a result, the then Mayor Anil Soley had given a ruling to proceed against the defaulters with suitable action, which should now be tabled before the house. He accused Mayor of evading the replies over the serious issue. He asked Mayor as to how many times the issue should be raised and discussed again and again. He said, “We hold NMC responsible for shielding the accused/ defaulters in the case. We will now gherao NMC Commissioner and demand action from him in the matter. The then Commissioner had clearly ordered police action against the company owner, Vansh Nimay Infra Pvt Ltd.”
Mayor, Pravin Datke: The Opposition is unnecessary landing weight to the issue and running away from discussion over the issue which can be sorted out by way of discussion only. We are in favour of action against the defaulter, but there are certain legal limitations to be abided by. No action can be taken simply on Opposition’s demand. It is clearly mentioned in the Star Bus Ruling that the alleged scam be first probed by a retired judge of High Court.
He asked Vikas Thakre as to why he did not get the scam probed when his party’s government was in power even for 15 days after the ruling. But he did not do so. “I myself wrote a letter to the State Law Secretary urging him to set up an enquiry committee to probe the scam,” he clarified his stand, adding that now whenever the Chief Minster would be there in Nagpur, the issue would be tabled before him. He reminded Thakre that the Ruling clearly says, first the matter be enquired, and asked him how one could be held guilty prior to enquiry and how one could be punished. He declared that everything would be done as per procedure.
Dayashankat Tiwari, Ruling party leader
The demand of Opposition is baseless, and unnecessarily prejudiced. We are ready to go by all procedure as per rules.
