Mumbai
Updated : Jul 21, 2015, 10:52 AM IST
Union minister Nitin Gadkari is all for setting up a committee under the chairmanship of prime minister Narendra Modi for the development of Mumbai. He has voiced his support to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue.
On Thursday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had slammed the chief minister saying setting up a committee under the chairmanship of the PM is unconstitutional and would hurt the federal structure of the republic. Gadkari however said there was nothing wrong in asking the PM to head the committee as that would help development of the city.
"Mumbai's infrastructure is crumbling. It's the Centre that approves the maximum number of projects, delaying implementation. If the PM heads the committee, we will get speedy approvals and projects can be completed on schedule," said Gadkari.
Pawar had written to the prime minister expressing concern over Fadnavis' decision. He had raised doubts about the intentions behind the move. He had said it was important to maintain the federal structure of the country.
"Chief minister Fadnavis has neither discussed this proposal in the cabinet nor got it approval for it. We came to know about it through the media, and are still waiting for more details on how the committee will function, its rights, and how the PM will work as its head. Before discussing the issue (of formation of the committee) in the state and in the cabinet, the CM made a commitment to the prime minister. It's not a good sign, it lacks transparency and is harmful to democracy," said Pawar.