Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday admitted that Ambedkar Bhavan was demolished despite his directives not to take any action against the structure.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday admitted that Ambedkar Bhavan was demolished despite his directives not to take any action against the structure. However, he has assured that the state government would provide funds for the restoration of the structure. The CM has also hinted that action would be taken against officials responsible for the demolition, including chief information commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.
Replying to a debate in the Legislative Council on the issue of the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan, the CM said that when he heard about the dispute over Ambedkar Bhavan, he instructed the urban development (UD) department officials and police to stop the demolition drive.
However, it was demolished at midnight by the trust authorities. The trustees should have carried out the demolition in the presence of all, said Mr Fadnavis.
Ambedkar Bhavan and Buddha Bhushan Printing Press, located in Dadar East and started by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, were demolished by People’s Improvement Trust last month.
The Trust claimed that the structures were dilapidated and a new 17-storey ‘Ambedkar Bhavan’ would come up in its place. Mr Gaikwad is a trustee of the Bhavan.
“If Prakash Ambedkar and Anandraj Ambedkar (both grandsons of Ambedkar) come together and prepare a plan for the restoration of Ambedkar Bhavan and Buddha Bhushan Printing Press, the government is ready to allocate funds for restoration,” said Mr Fadnavis.
The structural audit carried out by the BMC said that the structures were dilapidated. Accordingly, the civic body issued a notice for its demolition within 30 days. However, the demolition notice was only for Ambedkar Bhavan. There was no need to touch the Buddha Bhushan Printing Press. A probe will be conducted into whether the structure was dilapidated or not and whether the demolition notice was appropriate, added the chief minister.
The CM also indicated that the state government is contemplating action against Mr Gaikwad for showing over zealousness in razing of the structure. “Mr Gaikwad occupies a constitutional post and was appointed by the governor. The government will send its report to governor on his role in the demolition case,” he added.
Senior Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe demanded Mr Gaikwad’s ouster, alleging that the officer had misused his official position to get the printing press demolished.
