Raj Thackeray Criticizes Pune’s Governance Over Recent Floods: ‘Is This How the Government Operates?’
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 29th July 2024: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray is on a tour of Pune today. This visit is primarily for inspecting the situation following the recent cloudburst-like rains in Pune, which resulted in widespread flooding. Thackeray has criticized both the government and the administration, questioning their effectiveness. Speaking to the media, he asked, “Is this how the government runs?”
Raj Thackeray remarked, “Pune is no longer one city; it has become four cities. With the absence of corporators, there is no one to take responsibility. You provide ‘free’ housing to people from other states while those from here are left to ‘beg’. As a state, are you focused or not?”
Thackeray continued, “There will be a meeting about this in Mumbai, and I will speak to you again afterwards. However, it is shameful that in a city like Pune, people have to be called from Panvel and Thane for cleaning. Suspending officers will not resolve the issue.”
He continued, “The Maharashtra State Government, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Ministers need to focus on this issue. Ex-corporators should also pay careful attention. Why isn’t everyone considered when planning any project? Why not consult with people and journalists? This issue can be resolved if all political parties set aside their differences and work together. This is not the task of any single party.”
Despite previously giving ‘unconditional support’ to Mahayuti, Raj Thackeray targeted Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune District Ajit Pawar with a sarcastic remark. Thackeray said, “There are two Deputy Chief Ministers in Maharashtra. One is actually from Pune. Even though he was not here, the dams have ‘overflowed.’ Shouldn’t he be paying attention to this?”
On Pune’s development, Raj Thackeray said, “Unauthorised construction in riverbeds is the reason for the flood situation. The government should help and not ignore the issue. There is no town planning by the government. This incident occurred due to the sudden release of excess water, which entered the houses. Town planning is not being implemented in any city. You see a piece of land and sell it, and the same issue continues. A nexus is operating. Pune has become not just one city but five cities.”
“Dams Overflow Despite Ajit Pawar’s Absence”
Despite previously giving ‘unconditional support’ to Mahayuti, Raj Thackeray targeted Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune District Ajit Pawar with a sarcastic remark. Thackeray said, “There are two Deputy Chief Ministers in Maharashtra. One is actually from Pune. Even though he was not here, the dams have ‘overflowed.’ Shouldn’t he be paying attention to this?”
“Sharad Pawar Shouldn’t Contribute Towards…”
Raj Thackeray further said, “In Pune, there was a Porsche car accident in which two people died, but nobody is discussing it. News coverage focuses on certain individuals, not on the two who died.” When asked about Sharad Pawar’s statement suggesting that Maharashtra could become like Manipur, Thackeray remarked, “I didn’t hear his statement, but Pawar Saheb shouldn’t contribute to it.”
