Mumbai, Jul 24 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant on Thursday alleged large-scale corruption in the tendering process of water purification projects undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), saying the entire system has come under the influence of middlemen.
Addressing a press conference, he demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the tender processes of major water treatment plants, particularly the 2,000 MLD Bhandup Complex worth Rs 4,376 crore and 910 MLD Panjrapole facility worth Rs 2,100 crore.
He alleged that the tender procedures have been manipulated in violation of the guidelines issued by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
“In the current Mahayuti government, the BMC has turned into a hub of corruption. There is undue political pressure on municipal officers, and middlemen have free access to both the Mantralaya and the civic headquarters,” Sawant claimed.
Decisions regarding tender allocations and project execution are being influenced by external agents and that rules are being bent with the collusion of officials, he said.
“This is not just administrative failure, it is an organised setup that encourages misappropriation of public funds. The involvement of politically-connected intermediaries in crucial civic contracts points to a deep-rooted nexus,” Sawant alleged.
The Congress leader called for an impartial probe into the matter and demanded immediate intervention by relevant state and central agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in public projects. PTI MR NP
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