NCP stages protest over the functioning of Thane Municipal Corporation

THANE: The rift between the state ruling ally parties at the local level seems to be widening as the Thane unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), on Monday, fired a salvo at the Shiv Sena that is the ruling majority party over the functioning of the corporation.
NCP party corporators staged an impromptu protest at the civic headquarters complaining about the systematic overlooking of the corporation towards the extended suburbs of Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva citing paucity of funds among others.
The irate netas also alleged the approach of the corporation towards demolishing illegal structures in their areas while those inwards ruled by Sena leaders were spared.
“The implementation of the approved budget is pending and several instances of corruption in the municipal corridors seem to be going unchecked despite repeated complaints. There is no clarity in the vaccination process and the ruling party seems to be trying to gain credit for the same. While the administration claims it has no funds, works in select wards ruled by the Sena get prompt sanctions. We will not allow any big-ticket projects to be undertaken unless there is parity in fund allocation for developmental works,” echoed the netas.
Mayor Naresh Mhaske dismissed the allegations and said the issue was mainly over demolishing illegal structures. “Those who are complaining now about our demolition drives are the ones who had written to me and the commissioner about the civic inaction on such structures. We cannot discriminate among wards and action will be taken everywhere. The netas should first decide whether they support such illegal constructions or are against them,” he said.
Observers said with the civic elections slated for 2022, the scramble for ensuring crucial works in respective wards to be completed in time was adding to the pressure of all parties and with the civic treasury already strained, the fight for funds is likely.