Congress solicit Lokayukta over Ravindra Waikar case

Congress on Monday approached Lokayukta in connection with the allegations of land grabbing against Shiv Sena minister Ravindra Waikar, the first Sena minister in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet.

Congress Mumbai unit president Sanjay Nirupam had last week alleged that Mr Waikar was responsible for an illegal construction at Goregaon Aarey colony and had demanded his resignation. “Mr Waikar was sanctioned only 350 metres of land but he grabbed 20 acres. He has also constructed a one-storey building without permission. He has misused his position as housing minister and no action has been taken against him,” Mr Nirupam had alleged.

Mr Nirupam had also claimed that Mr Waikar had lobbied to remove the environmental hurdles in order to benefit his erstwhile business partner terming it a clear-cut case of ‘conflict of interest’. He claimed that he had sent all the documentary evidences to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who on Saturday ordered a probe against the allegations.

However, a clarification issued by Mr Waikar’s office on Monday stated, “All allegations made against me are false. Mr Nirupam has no proofs of any wrongdoings.”