MNS leader mocks civic chief, ‘gifts’ him washing powder

Taking a jibe at BMC Chief Ajoy Mehta's work, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande gifted him a packet of washing powder in the Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday.

Deshpande alleged that Mehta is bent on publicising his efforts to clean up the city, when it is actually just part of his work. Gifting hima packet of ‘Rin Supreme’ washing powder, he said that the brand’s advertisement tagline - 'Super Rin ki Chamkar - Baar Baar Lagaatar' - goes with the BMC chief's behaviour perfectly.

Much commotion followed this accusation that resulted in the entire Opposition walking out of the BMC leaving the two ruling parties to pass all proposals on the agenda unopposed.

Deshpande initially proposed an adjournment of the meeting in protest against hawkers plaguing the footpaths of the city. He accused Mehta of being unable to take any strong action regarding this issue, apart from issuing circulars every other day, regarding a new administrative development.

During the commotion of this argument, the committee chairman Yashodhar Phanse passed a Rs 19 crore proposal regarding road repairs, without the consent of the Opposition.

Upon finding out what had transpired, the Opposition alleged that BJP and Shiv Sena’s actions of stealthily passing this proposal reek of corruption. Despite Mayor Snehal Ambekar (who belongs to the ruling party) pointing out rampant corruption among road works contractors, the ruling party disregarded her concerns and passed yet another project about road works, alleged the Opposition.

Meanwhile Samajwadi Party leader Rais Sheikh has demanded that the proposal be reconsidered and passed only after all parties from the Opposition also consent.