In three different incidents, Congress and Aam Adami Party (AAP) leaders met with three investigation agencies on Friday to record statements, give evidence and demand action against ministers and leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena.
Alleging that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was shielding corrupt ministers from the Maharashtra government, a Congress delegation held a meeting with ACB chief Vivek Phansalkar and sought action against ministers facing charges of corruption.
“It seems the ACB is working as per the orders of the Chief Minister. Despite submitting evidence in the Chikki scam, the ACB is purposely wasting time. Ironically, it is seeking explanation from the Women and Child Development Department, which itself is facing charges of corruption,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.
The party delegation also questioned the bureau’s move to not initiate action against Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan and Eknath Khadse’s alleged aide Gajanan Patil in matters of corrupt practices.
The party’s Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam, meanwhile, was called for a hearing with the State Lokyukta in relation with an alleged unauthorised gymnasium constructed Shiv Sena MLA and Minister of State (Housing) Ravindra Waikar in Aarey Colony.
Mr. Nirupam claimed that officials of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) had submitted during the hearing that the gym was constructed without taking the corporation’s permission.
“It shows that not only the first floor, but the entire gym is illegal. The Lokayukta will now seek a reply from the then MHADA engineer and action will be taken soon,” Nirupam added.
BJP leader Ashish Shelar, the party’s Mumbai unit chief, who is facing allegations of money laundering, may have tough days ahead. AAP leader Preeti Sharma-Menon on Friday recorded her statement against him with the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police.
“I have submitted the documents to EOW and have given my statement. His (Mr. Shelar’s) actions clearly violate the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and an FIR must be filed against him as early as possible,” Ms. Menon said.
A delegation from the Congress demanded action against ministers facing corruption charges
