Mumbai: Maharashtra Assembly on Monday saw a major showdown between the legislators of BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) over the alleged illegal hoardings in Mumbai. BJP legislators demanded investigation against Uddhav Thackeray, while Shiv Sena (UBT) members accused the BJP of playing politics over the “sensitive issue”. During the discussion over the tragic incident last month when a hoarding collapse claimed 17 lives, state minister Uday Samant assured the House that the government will soon introduce a comprehensive policy regarding hoardings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad started the discussion on the calling attention motion moved by MLAs from all parties regarding the Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy. Referring to the suspension of Government Railway Police commissioner Quaiser Khalid for giving permission to the illegal hoarding on the railway land, Mr. Awhad asked why the police officer was singled out and demanded action against Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officers who allowed the hoarding to come up.
Minister Samant informed the house that the concerned BMC officers had raised objection over the said hoarding several times, but the GRP overlooked it. After that BJP legislator Ram Kadam alleged that Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media Private Limited, which had erected the structure, had connections with former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. Another BJP legislator Nitesh Rane alleged that Bhinde was a “sleeping partner” of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Raut.
Mr. Raut, who was present in the house, in turn alleged that Bhinde was connected to a former Lok Sabha representative of the BJP. “If it is proven that I have any connection with Bhinde, I will resign. If it is not proven, those making allegations against me should resign.”
Mr. Raut was joined by other Shiv Sena legislators, who accused the BJP members of indulging in politics over the deaths of people.
Mr. Samant assured that all allegations made by members of the House will be investigated with fairness. “We will not unduly target anyone or show favours to anyone,” he said.
The minister further said that the committee headed by former Allahabad High Court chief justice Dilip Bhosle is probing the May 13 hoarding collapse and all information provided by the members will be conveyed to the commission. “A new comprehensive policy will be unveiled once the code of conduct for the legislative council polls ends after the results are declared for the graduates and teachers constituencies,” Mr. Samant said.
