No contracts executed in Navi Mumbai without cuts: Namdeo Bhagat

“Right from the guardian minister to corporators and civic officials, everyone gets their share of cuts in all civic contracts executed in the city,” alleged Congress leader Namdeo Bhagat.

Addressing mediapersons in Vashi, Bhagat said it is known that 5% of the contract amount is paid off the record by the contractor to secure the contract.

He says that all officers are corrupt and want to collect money from the poor. He added that he has proof of the prevalent corruption and will not only take the issue to court, but also press for a CBI inquiry into the happenings in NMMC. He warned NMMC — the ruling party members and the officials — to watch out for the investigation, so they will think before moving to the next step.

When asked why he did not take any action as soon as he got to know about the percentage system, Bhagat said, “I was waiting for the right time and gathering proof against the Naiks.”

Bhagat also spoke about NMMC’s Glass House in CBD Belapur that was on Cidco’s land for years, but later took directives from the court for the officials to take action. The other issue was of the secretary’s post in NMMC that has been vacant for six months and is being handled by a lady officer on a temporary basis. “Why is NMMC not asking the state government for a new secretary?” he asked.

Representatives of the NCP have rubbished Bhagat’s allegations as an attempt to stay relevant.

Vaibhav Gaikwad, NCP corporator, said, “Bhagat wants to be in the limelight. Ganesh Naik does charity and organises health camps for the poor.”