With several toll plazas reportedly vandalised across the state by suspected Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists, the deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar yesterday said that political parties should refrain from petty politics over toll nakas and no one should take the law into their own hands.

Pawar made the comments while speaking at a press conference at Council Hall, where he also spoke about several issues plaguing the city.

“Political parties and their leaders should refrain from petty politics over the toll nakas in the state. Our policy on toll is in line with the directives set by the central government.

The sporadic instances of tollbooth vandalism since last night is not good and strict action will be taken against those involved in the rampage. We will also try and ascertain on whose orders are these acts being carried out and the person responsible for provoking people,” said Pawar.

“I am going to personally talk with the chief minister over the issue and soon we will be taking some firm decisions,” he added.

Speaking about the illegal constructions issue in Pimpri-Chinchwad, he said, “Illegal constrictions must be demolished only in two cases — one when any construction comes up on the road and second when constructions spring up in lands government reserved land or local governing bodies.

If the illegal constructions don’t fall into these two categories, then there can be some official changes made to legalise it.”

Pardeshi’s transfer
When asked whether Dr Shrikar Pardeshi, PCMC commissioner, was likely to be transferred, Pawar said, “Pardeshi is an excellent officer and I brought him to PCMC from Nanded. Now, if there is a need to transfer him to some other department or place to improve the condition there, a decision will be taken. This is an internal official matter and if needed the government will make the necessary changes.”