Security deposits worth Rs 2.88-cr lying unclaimed with MMRDA

Mumbai, April 20: Security deposits to the tune of Rs 2.88 crore are lying unclaimed with the MMRDA which rent out its ground in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) for various programmes including political rallies, according to an RTI application.

The deposits for events organised in year 2013 are lying unclaimed as no refunds are sought in the last four months for the events held. RTI activist Anil Galgali said the BJP, which had booked the MMRDA ground for Narendra Modi's rally from December 20 th December 23, 2013 has not yet claimed Rs 28.68 lakh it had deposited towards security deposit.

"BJP is promoting itself as a pro-development party by promoting a personality cult. But they have not yet claimed their security deposit as the party has not paid the necessary Non Agricultural Assessment (NA) Tax for the use of the land as well as necessary documents from the police and fire brigade," Galgali alleged.

Galgali, who had sought information from the MMRDA for a total list of the organisers of exhibitions, rallies and meetings, was informed that 65 per cent of organisers in 2013 have not yet claimed their security deposits worth Rs 2.88 crore.

When contacted, city unit BJP chief Ashish Shelar refuted the allegations saying that BJP has paid all the necessary taxes. "We have paid all the taxes and we have all the receipts required.

We have not asked for a refund as there is a dispute going on with MMRDA regarding the security deposit," he said. The MMRDA has 31 terms and conditions to give land on rent, and if even a single condition is not complied with the agency withholds the security deposit.

PTI