The tender process for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project was cancelled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in May after the L&T, which had been disqualified, moved the Supreme Court
Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Opposition legislators on Wednesday staged a protest at the Maharashtra legislature complex accusing the BJP-led government of favouring a private firm for a major tunnel project in Thane, and alleged that it involved a Rs 3,000 crore scam, reported news agency PTI.
The tender process for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project was cancelled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in May after the L&T, which had been disqualified, moved the Supreme Court.
Standing on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan complex here, MLAs and MLCs of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) shouted slogans and claimed that the government cancelled the contract only because it feared action by the Supreme Court, reported PTI.
The monsoon session of the state assembly and legislative council is underway since Monday.
Among those who took part in the protest were the Leader of Opposition in the council Ambadas Danve (Shiv Sena UBT), Satej Patil of Congress, and NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil.
"Despite serious concerns being raised about the project, the government continued to push it. This is not just a technical lapse. It is a Rs 3,000 crore scam which the people of Maharashtra must not ignore," Danve said, reported PTI.
Satej Patil alleged that the contractor who won the contract was a known donor of electoral bonds. "This is not a coincidence. The government is rewarding the same company that has funded it. This raises fundamental questions about transparency and fairness," he said, reported PTI.
Jayant Patil demanded an immediate review of all contracts awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd, the company in question.
Megha Engineering and Infrastructure had become the state's "preferred contractor", opposition leaders alleged.
"Megha gets the cream, farmers remain hungry," was one of the slogans shouted by opposition leaders, reported PTI.
Danve said the opposition would continue to raise the issue in both Houses until action was taken. "This is not just about one company. It's about governance being compromised," he said, reported PTI.
Opposition demands apology from Lonikar for remarks against farmers
The Maharashtra assembly was on Wednesday adjourned for ten minutes following a ruckus as the opposition demanded apology from former minister Babanrao Lonikar for his remarks against farmers.
A video where the BJP leader is heard saying that farmers should not criticise the government as they have been recipients of the government's largesse in many ways had gone viral a few days ago.
(With inputs from PTI)
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