Mumbai: The Opposition on Wednesday moved an adjournment motion against the reinstatment of controversial IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar as the head of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the government has been siding with an officer facing corruption charges. “Even the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has instructed the State to pursue the allegations against him.”
Last year, The Hindu had reported how Mr. Mopalwar is facing inquiries, ranging from the PMO to the Income Tax department. Following the report, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced in the Assembly the suspension of the officer, and formation of a committee to probe the allegations and a video tape allegedly showing the officer discussing property deals. The committee gave a clean chit to the officer, without investigating the properties mentioned in the clip. Mr. Mopalwar retired during the suspension period.
The Congress leader claimed that the government issued a GR revoking his suspension and giving him an extension of service. “He has been given the charge of the MSRDC. Is the government telling us that it has no other capable officer to bear this responsibility? Did the government follow the procedure of giving an advertisement and seeking applications before appointing him?” asked Mr. Vikhe-Patil.
“This is only the second incident when an officer has been given extension. It was not only the Opposition, but even BJP MLA Anil Gote, who had given CDs claiming corruption by the officer. The panel gave a clean chit without even probing the disproportionate assets angle. The government must explain the reasons behind its decision,” said former CM Prithviraj Chavan.
Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde, however, rejected the adjournment motion. The MSRDC is presently in-charge of the Mumbai-Nagpur super communication highway, touted as a pet project of the CM.
