Citizens come forward in support of Tukaram Mundhe who is known for following transparency while discharging his duties.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Chief Tukaram Mundhe is upset with the no-confidence motion passed against him by corporators and said that he didn’t receive an opportunity to put forward his views and has been made a scapegoat. On the other hand, residents of Navi Mumbai have come forward in support of Mundhe as they posted messages expressing their solidarity for him.#SupportMundhe were trending on social media and videos asking for support gone viral on WhatsApp as residents alleged that politicians were pursuing vested interests. They have also started a campaign called ‘Save Tukaram Mundhe’.
They have lauded the good work performed by him such as taking action against illegal encroachments and hawkers. The alleged nexus between politicians, contractors and businesses are responsible for Mundhe’s downfall.
Defending himself Mundhe said, “I am working for the development of Navi Mumbai and have followed rules while discharging my duties. I have faced stiff opposition from corporators for imposing a cap on wasting public money. I will continue to perform my job honestly and people are supporting me.”
Mundhe has been known for following transparency and accountability while discharging his duties. He had maintained a record of every letter received by the corporation and ensured that reply is sent to the citizens in a time bound manner. He is also known for being accessible to citizens and interacts with them in the evening. Most of the complaints are resolved at the earliest. Mundhe has been transferred eight times in the last ten years, a fate synonymous with honest civil servants. When government was planning to regularise all constructions in the gaothans which had cropped up prior to December 2012, Mundhe had served notices to those who had violated norms by constructing structures after the cut-off date.
This is first instance in the history of the civic body that such a motion has been passed against the commissioner. NMMC is controlled by the NCP. The motion was passed 105-6 at a special meeting convened by the corporation, which was chaired by mayor Sudhakar Sonawane. After the motion was passed, Sonawane said it would be forwarded to the Maharashtra government for its approval. The motion was opposed by BJP and the party voted against it. Sealing to commercial units across Navi Mumbai during five months period of Mundhe was also a reason which forced corporataors to bring no confidence motion.
NMMC Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane who expressed his dissatisfaction over Mundhe’s style of functioning said, “In a democracy, if you start behaving as if President’s rule has been imposed, then you are insulting democracy. It is dictatorial to scrap decisions that have been taken by a body elected by people. We will not tolerate this.”
