Pune: Controversial Bal Bharati-Paud Phata Road Project Sparks Outcry, Puts BJP in a Difficult Position
Pune, 18th May 2023: In a significant development, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP, and AAP, including Aaditya Thackeray, have entered the fray surrounding the contentious Bal Bharati-Paud Phata (BB-PP) road project through Vetal Tekdi. This move has left the BJP in a dilemma, as citizens’ outbursts intensify and political parties face mounting pressure.
Local BJP leaders, apart from a few exceptions, have been evasive in addressing the overwhelming opposition to the project expressed by citizens and activists. Sensing the forthcoming local body elections, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken note of the situation.
During his recent visit to Pune, Fadnavis reportedly advised Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials to exercise caution with the project and listen to all perspectives. He has also requested the concerned department to furnish a comprehensive report on the citizens’ concerns.
The BB-PP road project has faced severe criticism from civic activists and environmentalists due to the anticipated damage to the local ecosystem. While Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole and former mayor Muralidhar Mohol attempted to meet with citizens to understand their concerns, they refrained from expressing support for the project. Initially, Guardian Minister and Kothrud MLA Chandrakant Patil backed the project but later changed his stance after witnessing the unity of citizens and activists who joined forces against the project and staged protests highlighting the potential detrimental effects of the road work.
The citizens have vocally expressed their intention not to vote for any party supporting the project. Further complicating matters for the BJP, former MLA Medha Kulkarni has also come out in support of the protesting activists.
NCP MP Supriya Sule and Aaditya Thackeray visited the project site and stated that PMC should refrain from proceeding if the citizens oppose it. Sule assured the citizens that she would discuss the matter with Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar and urge him not to rush the road work without obtaining citizens’ consensus.
However, the activists and citizens opposing the project remain unconvinced by the verbal assurances provided by the Deputy Chief Minister. They demand an official directive from the state government to PMC, instructing them not to commence the project.
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