MLAs lash out at Navi Mumbai municipal commissioner

Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who has cracked the whip against illegal constructions, today became the target of legislators' ire in the Maharashtra Assembly for his allegedly high-handed behaviour.
BJP MLA Manda Mhatre, who is from Navi Mumbai, said Mundhe, a 2005-batch IAS officer, made her wait "for hours" outside his cabin on one occasion.
The BJP MLA said she could not communicate with Mundhe about concerns of project-affected people regarding the demolition drive in 'gaothans' (the old settlements which are in existence prior to the township).
Navi Mumbai mayor and NCP leader Sudhakar Sonawane had recently called Mundhe an "autocrat".

"The civic chief is functioning like an autocrat. Decisions are being taken without considering the public representatives' views," Sonawane had alleged.
Mundhe, who has taken on land and sand mafia during his career spanning over 10 years, was appointed the civic chief of Navi Mumbai in April this year.

NCP MLA Jayant Patil stated in the Assembly that a Government Resolution stipulates that officers should extend due courtesy to the public representatives, but this dictum was not being followed.
"Such officers need to be taught a lesson," Patil said.
Former Speaker Dilip Walse-Patil said action should be taken against the officers indulging in dereliction of duty.

Speaker Haribhau Bagde then directed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to make a statement on the issue in coming days.