So it was the Election Commission's fault that the KDMC couldn't fill up the potholes under its jurisdiction, leading to four deaths in a little over four weeks? It has come to light that KDMC commissioner Govinda Bodke had written a letter, mentioning the pathetic state of roads, to the EC in May, asking for permission - owing to the MLC election - to fill up the potholes. But despite several follow-ups, KDMC didn't get the permission.

mid-day has a copy of the letter sent to EC officer Farog Mukadam. It stated that KDMC in March had started the process for road repair and filling up of potholes, and issued three tenders on May 18. Even a contractor was finalised for the work. The letter added that the state of roads in Kalyan and Dombivli was extremely poor and the corporation would be at the receiving end of citizens' anger if work was not completed before the monsoon, and hence, permission should be granted for the same.