Will expose mafia in MCGM, take on their 'godfather': BJP

Mumbai, May 18: BJP MP Kirit Somaiya said on Wednesday (May 18) he will expose "mafia" in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and also take on their "godfather". "First, I would expose and eradicate mafia and then will take on their godfather. Have patience," Somaiya said.

The leader had recently said MCGM was in "the grip of a powerful mafia" controlled by "a Saheb from Bandra and his PA" and there is widespread corruption in it. Asked why he did not reveal who are the "Saheb from Bandra and his PA", Somaiya said, "Please wait for the right time."

On the Opposition Congress demanding registration of an FIR against unnamed persons over "corruption" in MCGM, the MP from Mumbai North East said, "Anyone who is raking up this issue is helping me serve my cause of fighting mafia-raj and corruption in MCGM and I welcome all of them."

He said the BJP wants support of all parties, including the Shiv Sena, to wipe out the "mafia-raj" and "corruption" from the civic body in Mumbai. Later week, Congress Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam had said that Somaiya's remarks validated his (Nirupam) party's allegation that the Shiv Sena-BJP ruled MCGM was "mired in corruption" and there was a fit case for registering an FIR.

Meanwhile, Somaiya also said a recent article in Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamana' to "defame" him (Somaiya) will backfire. The Shiv Sena had recently come down heavily on Somaiya in connection with an alleged Slum Redevelopment Authority scam.

"I have undertaken a mission to eliminate mafia raj from the MCGM and few people's high-staked interests are being severely hurt. I sympathise with them but I am sorry to say that I am going to intensify my crusade against mafia-raj and corruption and will continue till it is eradicated," Somaiya said.

The BJP leader yesterday lodged a complaint with Mhada Mulund East Police station against self-proclaimed activist Kalpana Inamdar who had accused Somaiya of being involved in the alleged SRA scam.

"This so-called activist has levelled allegations against me which are not only baseless but also ridiculous. I have demanded police and court to act against me if I am found guilty or else punish Kalpana for making defamatory allegations against me and my family," he said.

PTI