Chheda flouts leave order, reports to work

Enraged by Chheda’s disregard for Gaikwad’s order, a visibly upset Shiv Sena leader Nandu Satam sought an adjournment over the issue in today’s standing committee meeting. "I will ensure that all standing committee and general body meetings are adjourned without conducting any business till Chheda is present in her office," Satam said.

Additional municipal commissioner Sharvaree Gokhale, who presided over the meeting, informed that before leaving for Japan, BMC commissioner Girish Gokhale had delegated administrative powers to her. "Chheda has reported on duty as I have not been able to convey Gaikwad’s decision to her," Gokhale clarified. She assured she would personally order her to proceed on leave.

When the house assembled for the general body meeting in the afternoon, Gokhale informed that Chheda had been ordered to leave her office at 3.30 pm. "She has now proceeded on leave," Gokhale said. Chheda, however, maintained she had acted only as per the BMC Act. "I have not done anything illegal," she told Express Newsline. She declined to comment when she was asked if she would move the court challenging Gaikwad’s order.