PCMC: New commissioner to decide fate of two co-opted members

The Shiv Sena has raised objections to the nomination of Borhade and Gawde. In a letter to the Municipal Commissioner,the Sena said since Borhade was a Central government employee,the civic rule does not permit him to become a co-opted member. Similarly,the Sena said Gawde who has submitted documents owing allegiance to a trust is also not eligible. “The trust does not exist and it has no locus standi in the eyes of the law. Therefore,we are opposing Gawde’s nomination,” said Shiv Sena leader Sarang Kamtekar. The Sena said both the elections are illegal and the PCMC should cancel them. “We hope the new municipal commissioner will soon take a decision,” said Kamtekar.

The Sena decision to field Baba Dhumal has surprised many. Dhumal was leading the Sena the district during civic elections. Once he was defeated by mere five votes by NCP’s Vijay Lande from a Kasarwadi ward. He and party MP Gajanan Babar have been at loggerheads for years. Both the camps even had street fights in the past. However,Sena leaders said both Babar and Dhumal have patched up. “Though their friendship is not visible in public,the bitterness has subsided,” they said. Confirming that all was well between him and Dhumal,Babar said,”We don’t have personal enemities…The party nominated him and we accept the decision….We have no differences….but I can’t change his nature.” Babar said Dhumal’s nomination had come “directly from Mumbai”.

Activist Sachin Godambe said previous commissioner Asheesh Sharma had increased the PCMC octroi earnings which is the main source of revenue for the civic body. “Pardeshi will have to increase the earnings further,otherwise the town and his image will take a severe beating,” he said.

Another task before Pardeshi will be to restart Maval pipeline work. The work was stalled in August last year after police firing on protesting farmers killed three. “The pipeline work is crucial for Pimpri-Chinchwad. Pardeshi will have to persuade the farmers,” said former corporator Babu Nair.