Corporators vote against Tukaram Munde, terming him anti-development; civic chief, however, backs himself and says actions have been in the interest of the public
Tukaram Munde
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The upright commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Tukaram Munde (41), who won people’s hearts with his proactive measures to crack down on alleged illegalities in the satellite town, is being shown the door.
The allegations
The general body meeting yesterday saw a no-confidence motion being passed against him. Only six BJP corporators backed him, while 104 voted against him.
The corporators have alleged that Munde doesn’t give them time and has been creating hurdles in various works, resulting in no development happening in Navi Mumbai. Munde, on the other hand, has defended himself, saying that he cracked down on unauthorised construction and hawker encroachment in public interest.
Standing Committee chairman of NMMC and Shiv Sena member Shivram Patil said, “Such officials just do everything for fame. They should work for democracy... It all came against Munde as he was autocratic. He was defaming Navi Mumbai by opening up scams and showing that all politicians are corrupt.”
“We called him saheb, but he insulted us. We are people’s representatives, chosen by the public,” said Dwarkanat Bhoir, a Sena corporator.
Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane met the police commissioner yesterday, informing him about the motion against Munde. He said that the civic chief be directed to not come to office from now on and if he still did, they are not responsible should anything happen to him.
One-sided?
Speaking to mid-day, Munde said, “My aim has always been to make the city liveable and economically vibrant for the public.”
He alleged that he was not given a chance to present his side in the meeting. “The procedure was not followed... Usually, before the votes, I have the right to approach the mayor to present my side. But he refused to let me speak, saying I will be given a chance later. But that didn’t happen. The allegations against me are false and I can prove that,” he added.
Time will tell
Munde said that the state government would decide about his transfer, but till that happens, he would continue working.
“How can they allege I haven’t given them time? I have set aside an hour — 5 pm to 6 pm every Wednesday — to hear them out. But in the last two months, no one has approached me,” he added.
Fighting corruption
Munde, who joined on May 2, said that in the five months he has seen a lot of difference. “I took up various developmental projects and proposals that are still pending in the general body. My job is to do quality work on time,” he said.
Munde added that he was working towards making Navi Mumbai a smart city, and hence, such a reaction from the opposition was expected.
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