SRA scam: Ex-CM wants min to resign
Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded the resignation of housing minister Prakash Mehta in connection with Tardeo MP Mill compound redevelopment under Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. Chavan stated that Mehta cleared the file with a remark so that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gives a go-ahead. The senior Congress leader claimed that the builder who has allotted the redevelopment under SRA scheme was supposed to get a benefit between Rs 500 crore to Rs 700 crore.
Chavan during discussion on issues related with urban development department cornered minister Prakash Mehta. He said, “Despite opposition from the housing secretary, Mehta not only pushed the proposal of SRA redevelopment, but he wrote a note on a file that he had informed the chief minister about the proposal.”
Chavan said, “Mehta told officials of SRA that the decision has taken from ‘high level’. House must be informed who was the ‘high level’ leader.”
He said that the minister has lost his right to remain at the position and chief minister has asked for his resignation.
Chavan also recalled the Right to Information Act (RTI) activist who exposed the SRA scam. Chavan said, “We have seen RTI activist carrying Rs 40 lakh with him and he was offered bribe.” Even after demonetisation, how can a huge amount in cash be available with the builder, he questioned.
Meanwhile, Ashish Shelar, member of BJP demanded probe into Penguin birds brought at Veermata Jijabai Garden (Rani cha baug) by Special Investigation Team (SIT). “The birds were infected,” Shelar said.