BJP corporator issued show-cause for going on Andaman tour

The BJP on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to corporator Ritu Tawde for going on a "study tour" to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands despite the party's diktat against the tour. Tawde, who heads the BMC's education committee, has also been asked to submit a report on what she learnt during the tour.

Following criticism, the BJP had pulled out of the tour and asked all its corporators to stay back. Tawde, however, went ahead and joined Shiv Sena corporators on the tour.

"We have issued a notice to Ritu Tawde, asking her why she went for the tour despite the party's orders against it. We have also asked her to submit a report on what she learnt during the visit. We will seek a proper explanation from her," said Manoj Kotak, BJP group leader in the BMC.

Last week, 11 corporators from the civic standing committee, 22 from the works committee and mayor Snehal Ambekar went on a four-day trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to "study their water storing facilities and drainage system". They received flak since the trip was planned at the last minute and the BMC shelled out high charges for air tickets and accommodation.

Except the Shiv Sena, all other corporators had opted out of the tour to avoid controversy. Tawde was not available for comment.