Sharad Pawar expresses displeasure over ‘hasty’ demolition, meets Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

MUMBAI: NCP chief Sharad Pawar has expressed disquiet over the manner in which the BMC demolished a portion of the Bandra bungalow of actor Kangana Ranaut.
The NCP leader has taken the view that the civic action was in haste, and as a result, drew censure from the Bombay high court.
“I have no information on the illegal construction. Illegal and unauthorised constructions are not new for BMC. But questions have been raised, in view of the current situation and timing of the demolition. Certainly, BMC has its own rules; the officials involved in the demolition process must have followed the procedure,” Pawar said.
Later in the day, Pawar had a prolonged meeting with Uddhav Thackeray at Varsha, CM’s official residence. According to reports, they discussed the Ranaut issue, the Supreme Court verdict on Maratha reservation, and the Covid pandemic.
While Congress did not react to Pawar’s statement, senior NCP leaders endorsed his views. “In Mumbai, there are 95,000 unauthorised structures, but BMC is taking action selectively. The demolition has had an adverse impact on the MVA government,” a senior NCP minister told TOI.
Pawar did not name Ranaut, but indicated that undue importance was being given to her comments. “...People of Maharashtra are aware of the confidence and professionalism of the Mumbai as well as Maharashtra Police. If someone compares the force with those in Pakistan or any other country, there is no need to take cognizance. Media should not give undue publicity to such statements.”
On the threat calls received by him, Pawar said home minister Anil Deshmukh has given him the details. “According to information from the home minister, I have received seven calls. In the past too, I had received similar calls, but he never attached importance to them.”