Mumbai : Senior NCP leader and PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has now jumped into the row over the mess at Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. Bhujbal has accused Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan of shielding the office responsible for the irregularities there and said that Chavan is solely responsible for the situation.
“Principal secretary Bipin Malik, who is looking after the affairs at the Maharashtra Sadan, is the root cause of all the problems there. I have been demanding his transfer from the post for over six months now. I have personally told this to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan several times. But, the officer was shielded,” Bhujbal told FPJ.
The PWD constructed the state of the art building. After completing the construction work, according to the rules, occupancy certificate was sought from the local governing body. The new building was inaugurated after the receipt of the OC and only after that the building was handed over to the general administration department. Now, this department is expected to make necessary arrangements to provide good food to the people. But, Malik is trying to paint a different picture, Bhujbal said. “We had appointed an agency who was entrusted with the maintenance of the building for next five years. But, Malik prevented them from carrying out any kind of maintenance work. This has happened several times, especially with the airconditioners,” Bhujbal added.
“When it came to my notice that Malik’s interference is causing trouble, I immediately wrote to the Chief Minister. I also reminded him of the necessary action 4-5 times whenever we met in person during past 2-3 months. Then once both of us were at the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, I again brought the issue to his notice. But, nothing has been done. It is clear that the Chief Minister is shielding the officer. So, all the responsibility of the incidences that have happened there over the last week lies with the CM,” Bhujbal said.
