Opposition demands that BMC be dissolved

A series of scams in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) came back to haunt the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena in the state Legislative Council on Wednesday, as opposition parties demanded dissolution of the civic body over alleged irregularities in various civic works. They also demanded an inquiry into these alleged scams by a special investigative team (SIT).

The issue was raised by Congress legislator Sharad Ranpise, who said several malpractices have been noticed in civic works such as desilting, disposal of debris, procurement of anaesthesia machines, etc. which has caused a loss of crores of rupees to the BMC. What followed was a heated exchange between the Sena and opposition members and Senior NCP member, Sunil Tatkare, demanded an SIT probe and a special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General into contracts awarded for these works.

“As BMC’s own officials have been found involved in these scams, there is need for an independent authority holding the probe. There should be a SIT inquiry into these scams,” he said.

In response to the allegations, minister of state for urban development, Ranjit Patil, said, “In case of the desilting scam, 13 civic officials have been suspended and FIRs have been lodged against them. The BMC has also filed a complaint against contractors involved in the scam. The case has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further probe.” While inquiry into road works is underway, it has been found contractors duped the BMC with regard to procurement of anaesthesia machines. BMC has filed a FIR against contractors at Agripada police station in this case, he added.

However, as opposition continued to press for its demands, Council Chairman, Ramraje Nimbalkar ruled he was withholding the question.