BJP MLA wants corporation to take over Jalgaon highway

Ruling BJP legislator Rajumama Bhole from Jalgaon has written a letter to the Municipal Corporation (MC) to hand over the three highways passing through the city to the MC.

On the contrary Akola Municipal Corporation had to withdraw such a proposal amid strong protests by opposition party corporators. Advocate Vijay Patil the social activist claimed the BJP legislator is protecting the bar business of a few politicians and land mafia who have illegal constructions adjacent to the National Highway (NH).

After the Supreme Court ordered ban on sale of liquor along all State and National Highways on December 15, 2016, the Akola Municipal Corporation (AKC) led by the BJP, tabled a proposal to hand over the state highways to the AKC. This was discussed in the general body meeting on January 6, 2017. According to a Congress source, opposition parties including the Congress, Nationalist Congress and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) and the Shiv Sena opposed the proposal. Finally, Ujwala Deshmukh, Mayor from BJP withdrew this proposal.

On the contrary, in Jalgaon Municipal Corporation (JMC), BJP legislator Suresh alias Rajumama Bhole wrote a letter to Superintendent Engineer (SE) of Public Works Department on March 3, 2017 to denotify highways passing through city.

Advocate Vijay Patil who is the whistleblower blamed Bhole is supporting liquor lobby. “Bhole’s demand was fulfilled by BJP government within a month. His letter dated March 3 moved very fast from SE office (Jalgaon) to Chief Engineer (Nasik) to Mantralaya and PWD issued Government Resolution (GR) on March 31 which has stated name of state highways which were de-notified.

Advocate Patil said, “This GR will help liquor lobby to put aside their restaurant and permit room as now they will be free from SC’s order. At the same time, close aid of Bhole who has built housing project within 10 meter from the National Highway. According to SC guidelines, no construction is allowed upto 75 metre. Bhole’s efforts have given relief to that builder, claimed Adv Patil. He added that he will challenge the GR is court and will sue against Bhole and the PWD minister.

Meanwhile, BJP legislator Bhole did not responded to calls.