Showdown at Pune Municipal Corporation: MNS Clashes with Additional Commissioner Over Waste Plant Dispute
Shivajinagar, 9th August 2024: An intense argument broke out today between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionaries and Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj BP at the Pune Municipal Corporation, escalating into a tense standoff. The disagreement centred around the ongoing controversy over waste treatment plants in Hadapsar, Devachi Uruli, and other areas.
The issue began when MNS group leader Rajendra Wagaskar, along with several office bearers, arrived at the PMC main building to submit a letter of allegation against the organization responsible for waste treatment project. Originally intended for the Municipal Commissioner, the letter was redirected to Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP due to the absence of the Municipal Commissioner.
When the MNS representatives attempted to hand over the letter, Prithviraj questioned whether there was any evidence to support their claims. After briefly reviewing the document, Prithviraj left the letter on the table and walked away to his office, sparking outrage among the MNS leaders and workers. In response, MNS members protested outside Prithviraj’s office, chanting slogans against him and creating a scene that drew the attention of security personnel.
As the situation grew more heated, security staff intervened to defuse the tension. Prithviraj later insisted that he would only engage further if the Municipal Commissioner was present. Following this, the MNS delegation moved to the Commissioner’s office, where a discussion took place. Ultimately, the Municipal Commissioner summoned Prithviraj, and after a dialogue between the officials, the dispute was reportedly resolved.
The conflict is rooted in allegations against Bhumigreen, the company contracted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to manage waste processing at Hadapsar, Devachi Uruli, and other locations.
According to the MNS, Bhumigreen falsified documents related to a 75 metric ton waste processing tender at Ramtekdi and Handewadi. Despite this, the MNS claims that the Municipal Corporation has failed to take legal action against the company. The letter submitted by the MNS calls for Bhumigreen to be blacklisted for allegedly obtaining contracts through fraudulent means.
The MNS has expressed concerns that certain officials and political figures may be exerting undue influence to protect Bhumigreen from facing the consequences of their actions. They argue that the failure to take legal action undermines the integrity of the Municipal Corporation and sets a dangerous precedent for future contracts.
