Prithviraj Chavan's allegations against BMC politically motivated: Shiv Sena

Rubbishing allegations by Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan of financial irregularities in the Shiv Sena-BJP led Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the ruling corporators termed the remarks as politically motivated.

During the winter session of state Legislature underway in Nagpur, Chavan recently said BMC lacked transparency and accountability. He asked the BMC to prepare its balance sheet for 2007-08 within two months and for 2008-09 and 2009-10 by July-end 2011.

Chavan also sought separate reports on variations in cost of various works, water supply system, dumping ground, open ground policy, mid-day meals.

"The allegations are politically motivated," mayor Shraddha Jadhav said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Standing Committee chairperson Rahul Shewale said, "In view of the civic polls in 2012, the Congress has been vying for power in the BMC and so they are putting the blame on us. The CM can set up an inquiry committee."

"Under the JNNURM, the Centre has made it compulsory for all civic bodies to switch to SAP system and due to delay in its implementation and technical errors, the balance sheets could not be presented. Also, Sena-BJP should not be blamed for cost variation proposals as they were passed only after consent from all parties."

"We had pointed that if something is wrong with the flavoured milk and mid-day meal schemes, the contractors should be punished," BJP’s Ashish Shelar said.