In Legislative Assembly, CM Fadnavis promises probe after it surfaces that Prakash Mehta had noted in the file that he had consulted the CM despite not having done the needful
Prakash Mehta couldn't explain why he said he had consulted the CM after the CM said he had no knowledge of this plan
The 'acche din' for housing minister Prakash Mehta may be over, as the CM has ordered a probe against him for reportedly tweaking the SRA policy in a flagrant effort to benefit a private developer.
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On Monday, when the opposition demanded to know what the CM would do to the errant minister for misleading him and ignoring the advice of his top bureaucracy, which was against approving the proposal, Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement in the legislative Assembly.
Accusations fly
Mehta is accused of permitting a private developer to utilise the FSI — originally sanctioned for expanding the existing slum rehabilitation scheme — to create sellable housing components, helping him pocket a sizeable profit. Even more egregious, Mehta allegedly did not consult the CM, but made a note on the file that he had already discussed the issue with Fadnavis.
Also read: Mumbai: 'Architect' of Ghatkopar building collapse lands in jail
When brought to his notice, the CM scrapped Mehta's approval. However, when he was grilled about it on Monday, led by former CM Prithviraj Chavan and NCP's group leader Jayant Patil, the CM admitted that he was not aware of the change that had been attributed to him. Even Mehta copped to not having spoken to Chavan and couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation for why he wrote the remark.
At this time, the minister struggled to find words to defend himself, and even the Treasury benches did not come to his rescue. The opposition then asked for his resignation and staged a walk out.
Ministers rally together
Chavan said the CM should take a moral stand and take an appropriate call on the minister while Patil said the minister's actions has marred the BJP's effort of building the government's transparent image.
Also read: Ghatkopar: Interior decorator's modifications led to building collapse
Fadnavis, however, said no wrong had been committed because he had immediately scrapped the decision last month. "The minister has said that he hadn't discussed it with me. But, he has also given me an explanation for not consulting me and I'm satisfied with his explanation," he justified.
Yet, when told that the file was still sent down the administrative line-up for implementing an erroneous approval, Fadnavis said he did not know about it and ultimately ended up assuring that an inquiry will be set up against his own minister.
Second minister to land in hot water
Mehta will be the second BJP minister to face an inquiry for committing irregularities. Last year, Eknath Khadse lost the revenue minister's job following allegations of using his office to buy a government land for his family. However, this is not the first time Mehta is being questioned for impropriety when dealing with his SRA duties.
You can read more about the Ghatkopar Building collapse here
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