No-confidence motion passed against NMMC chief

A no-confidence motion was passed by the corporators of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) against its commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday.

This is perhaps the first time in the history of the civic body that such a motion has been passed against the commissioner. Out of the total 111 corporators, 105 from the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP voted in favour of the no-confidence motion, while six corporators from the BJP voted against it. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to use his veto power to reinstate Mr Mundhe. It may be be mentioned here that the CM has already changed three commissioners so far.

Leader of the House Jayant Sutar tabled the motion and justified the move saying the commissioner had “failed to perform”. Mr Sutar alleged that civic chief created hurdle in development work and scraped important projects including marble work at Ambedkar Bhawan, solar plant at Morbe dam, and delay in giving permission to important construction works. Sealing of commercial units across Navi Mumbai during five months period of Mr Mundhe was also a reason, which forced corporators to bring no-confidence motion.

Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane chaired the meeting in the house and Mr Mundhe was present. After the motion was passed, Mr Sonawane said it would be forwarded to the state government for its approval. The BJP, however, opposed the motion and voted against it.

Sack, transfer game In Parbhani, the general body sacked civic chief Rahul Rekhawar, who was then transferred by the Mr Fadnavis-led government.

Rajesh Nimbalkar (IAS), chief executive officer of Bhandara Zilla Parishad was transferred after the general body sacked him six month ago.

Prakash Mahajan, civic chief of Aurangabad was transferred after a no-confidence motion was passed against him in 2015.

Arun Bhatia was transferred when he was the civic chief of Pune after a no-confidence motion was passed against him in 1990s.