Mumbai mayor upset after new state guidelines stipulate that the mayor can only use amber beacon; feels that the state should keep in mind the stature of his post and rethink its decision
Mayor Sunil Prabhu is quite attached to the colour red. He is finding it difficult to let go of the red beacon on his official vehicle, despite the new state guidelines, which stipulate that the mayor can only use amber beacon.
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Mayor Sunil Prabhu with his official vehicle
The mayor, however, said that he was informed about the new guidelines on Monday, and in any case, he doesn’t think his continued breach of state guidelines is a breach at all, because he is the mayor of Mumbai. “The BMC administration informed me yesterday about the new guidelines.
I don’t think this is illegal use of beacon. The government should keep in mind the dignity of the post of Mumbai mayor,” said Prabhu. The Shiv Sena politician went on to apportion advise to the government, saying it should allow red beacon for Mumbai mayor, as Mumbai is a global city and its mayor - he - has minister of state status.
“I wrote to the chief minister about the beacon issue. As per protocol, I have to receive delegations coming to Mumbai, which is an important corporation. So Mumbai mayor’s position should be incorporated in the list of those allowed use of red beacon,” said Prabhu.
As per the notification issued by the state government, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner, who falls under A Class, is also not allowed to use red beacon. Sitaram Kunte, accordingly, changed his vehicle’s beacon from red to amber about 10-12 day ago. But the mayor isn’t in the mood to follow suit.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Sandeep Deshpande thinks Prabhu is violating the law. He said, “This is nothing but illegal use of red beacon. The mayor should have changed it immediately.
He should have had followed the state government guidelines, issued following a Supreme Court order.” The SC had last year come down heavily on rampant and blatant use of red beacons by politicians even when they are not on duty.
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