Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A heated confrontation erupted in the general body (GB) meeting as AIMIM corporators criticised the administration over the non-recovery of Rs 22 crore in overpayments made to the Maharana Agency. The dispute intensified when the appointment of Chief Accounts and Finance Officer (CAFO) Santosh Waghule was raised.
BJP corporators strongly defended the civic officers, warning that they would not tolerate baseless personal attacks or intimidation. The administration provided a protective stance for officials, leading to further disorder in the chamber. Recognising the escalating situation, Mayor Sameer Rajurkar adjourned the meeting.
Senior corporator Feroz Khan had initially raised a written question regarding the Rs 22 crore overpayment. The administration submitted a detailed four-page response, which Khan deemed unsatisfactory. When the Mayor asked him to specify the exact discrepancies.
Commissioner’s intervention
The municipal commissioner intervened, clarifying that the overpayment was not the fault of the officers. Efforts to recover the amount from the agency are ongoing, including tracing their assets to recover the funds.
Dispute over tenure extension
Khan’s second question pertained to the tenure extension of CAFO Waghule, asking whether the Urban Development Department had approved it. BJP corporators strongly opposed the line of questioning, calling it a deliberate targeting of officials. The Mayor tried to calm the situation, but with tensions rising, he ultimately adjourned the meeting.
Protests and slogans outside the chamber
After the meeting, AIMIM corporators raised slogans such as “22 khoke ek dum OK” while exiting the chamber. Outside, Uddhav Sena corporators protested loudly against the Mayor, condemning alleged intimidation. BJP corporators gradually left as well, while other opposition members demanded action against corporators resisting eviction. Between 5.10 pm and 5.30 pm, a flurry of slogans continued outside the municipal headquarters, highlighting the intensity of the political clash.