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  Metros   Mumbai  24 Jun 2017  Public backs civic staffer, slams Sena Mayor’s threat call

Public backs civic staffer, slams Sena Mayor’s threat call

THE ASIAN AGE.
Published : Jun 24, 2017, 2:58 am IST
Updated : Jun 24, 2017, 2:58 am IST

Mahadeshwar has found support from the Congress, which has backed him on the issue.

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar
 Vishwanath Mahadeshwar

Mumbai: An audio clip of Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar allegedly threatening an official for taking action against illegal constructions has created an uproar in the city.

To protest against the mayor’s ‘statements’, civic activists have offered their support to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for taking action against unauthorised structures.

However, Mr Mahadeshwar has found support from the Congress, which has backed him on the issue.

The civic body on Thursday had demolished 17 licensed stalls on Linking Road for violating licence terms and conditions.

Following this, an audio clip went viral in which the mayor was heard allegedly threatening a civic official with suspension for taking action against stallholder.

Civic activists have expressed deep anguish over the incident, saying that the statements are unbecoming of a higher authority such as a mayor. Senior civic activist Nikhil Desai from AGNI on Friday met the municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and demanded that the BMC should not give in to such threats.

Mr Desai said, “The BMC should take a serious note of open threats given by the mayor to civic officials. We are highly disappointed by such threats coming from a mayor.”

“Action against illegal hawkers on Linking Road should continue. We offer full support of citizens of H/West ward in this action. Though decisions are needed to be taken to make a difference,” he added.  

However, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam has supported mayor’s stand on the issue.

“Its a fact that civic officials take action against poor hawkers, but they are hand in glove with developers while protecting illegal constructions in the city. Instead of just threatening these officials, the mayor should take action against them,” he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pounced on the opportunity to target the Shiv Sena on the issue. BMC party group leader Manoj Kotak alleged, “The mayor’s statement has created fear among civic officials. Being the first citizen of the city, it is his first duty to make open footpaths available to Mumbaikars. Instead, he is protecting illegal stall holders. He is also trying to create a religious rift among communities.”

Tags: bmc, vishwanath mahadeshwar audio clip
Location: India, Maharashtra, Mumbai (Bombay)