Corruption in every department: Phundkar

Mumbai, Aug 2 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council Pandurang Phundkar has alleged large scale corruption in all state government departments.

Speaking on a motion highlighting the corrupt practices in the government machinery, Mr Phundkar alleged that reservations on land were being lifted for consideration.

Without mentioning names, Mr Phundkar said a Maharashtra minister had formed a company by name ''Navdurga Bamboo Company'' and had indulged in illegal cutting of bamboo trees, amounting to crores of rupees.

Alleging that illegal felling of trees in the jungles was rampant, he demanded that the Chief Minister should institute a probe.

Participating in the discussion, Diwakar Raote (Sena) targetted Animal husbandry and Wakf Minister Anees Ahmed and alleged that the minister was involved in various corrupt practices. He said the Chief Minister should ask Mr Ahmed to resign.

He alleged that Mr Ahmed had changed the royalty rules for selling eatables in Aarey stalls leading to a loss of Rs 10 crore to Aarey.

Mr Ahmed, who was present in the House, refuted the allegations.

He said he had been allotted a bungalow in Nagpur but he has now vacated the same.

Replying to the discussion, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the government would institute inquiries if there are specific complaints. He said action would be taken against those found responsible for flouting rules to lift reservation on land. He said action will be taken against the illegal construction at Royal Palm Golf Club at Goregaon.

UNI