Cong alleges favouritism in Suryapur Ratna awards

The 'Suryapur Ratna' awards, constituted by Surat Municipal Corporation, to honour citizens for their valuable contribution in different fields, have run into controversy with the Congress-led opposition accusing the ruling BJP showing favouritism.

The recipients for the Suryapur Ratna awards were announced on Tuesday. Govind Dholakia and Nimesh Vashi received the awards for their excellent performance in the fields of diamond exports and science & technology, respectively.

"Govindbhai truly deserves the award. But how come Vashi get the award," fumed senior Congress corporator, Bhupendra Solanki.

"Vashi's only contribution to the field of science & technology is that he has been a contractor of SMC for many years, and has undertaken the Rs 150-crore sewage treatment projects in the city," he said.

"It appears that the BJP rulers have literally sold the award to Vashi by indulging in award-fixing. If the award is indeed given to Vashi, it would set a bad trend as the other contractors of SMC would also seek the awards in the future. This would be an unfortunate and shameful thing," the corporator said.

Solanki also lashed out at the current system of selecting the recipients.

"At present, the SMC invites applications for the award. The deserving people would certainly feel embarrassed if they have to submit application for getting an award. The system also means that the awards are not being directly bestowed, but are being sought or demanded."

Refuting all charges, Shankar Chevli, former standing committee chairman of SMC, said: "Nimesh Vashi was selected for the award by a panel of SMC for his contribution in the field of science and technology. Along with the members of the ruling party, the Congress leader in SMC Babu Rayka, was also on the panel. He too had approved Vashi's name for the award.