Factionalism in BJP affects PCMC’s working

Factionalism in BJP affects PCMC’s working

Pimpri: The ruling BJP in Pimpri-Chinchwad is ridden with factions, which are competing to gain control of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). This tug of war for power has adversely affected the functioning of the civic body.

Officials have to listen to too many leaders at one time. They are finding it difficult to run the show. They have become over-cautious about taking any decision. Opposition parties are alleging that development work has been hit due to the power struggle within the ruling party.

When the NCP was in power, the word of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was considered final. He was the only decision maker on vital issues. Other leaders had to follow his directions. But now the scenario has changed. To keep a power balance, the BJP has created multiple power centres in accordance with the collective leadership concept.

There is a strong faction led by BJP city unit chief and MLA Laxman Jagtap. But the party leadership has not given the entire responsibility of the PCMC. Jagtap supporter Seema Savale is Chairperson of the Standing Committee.  Jagtap himself takes a keen interest in the affairs of the civic body. For instance, he recently wrote to the PCMC that it should repay the loan taken from World Bank as its interest rates are too high.  

Meanwhile, Mayor Nitin Kalje has become more active. He conducts meetings with officials and instructs them to expedite work. He belongs to the faction led by Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge. It is believed that Landge is close to District Guardian Minister Girish Bapat. Two days ago, the mayor conducted a meeting with officials of the BRTS department and asked them to expedite work. Earlier, he conducted a workshop for the newly elected members to sensitise them about Swachh Bharat and Smart City projects. In this way, Kalje is trying to show that he is not just a ceremonial mayor.  

Old BJP loyalist Eknath Pawar, who belongs to the Gadkari faction, is the Leader of the House in the PCMC.

A day after the mayor held the meeting, Pawar conducted a spot visit of several development projects in the city. After taking details from officials, he directed them to expedite work of the projects.

It is learnt that office-bearers in the PCMC are disappointed with the civic administration as they are not invited for press meets held to make various announcements.
Development adversely affected: Behl

Leader of Opposition Yogesh Behl said, “Due to a power struggle in the ruling party, there is no control over the civic administration. As a result, routine work has been adversely affected. The pre-monsoon preparation has not been carried out. As the PCMC has held back earlier payments of contractors, they are not willing to work. Cleaning of nalas and storm water drains is not done. Civic officials are unwilling to take decisions as they are fearing the wrath of BJP leaders belonging to various camps.”

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com