No confidence motion against NMMC chief tomorrow

The motion, unprecedented in NMMC history, will come up for discussion in the special general body meeting of the NCP-ruled civic body.

Mumbai, Oct 24: Corporators cutting across political parties have closed ranks to bring a no confidence motion tomorrow against Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe for his "undemocratic functioning" even as residents of various areas have come together to back the officer who has cracked a whip on illegal constructions.

The motion, unprecedented in NMMC history, will come up for discussion in the special general body meeting of the NCP-ruled civic body.

When contacted, Mundhe said, "I am absolute believer in democracy and follow the principles of democracy. I am trying to implement law and work as per the rule of law. The job of a municipal commissioner is to provide accessible and affordable civic services to the citizens. "My job is to provide transparent, people-centric, effective and sensitive governance which I am providing through various initiatives," he said.

Though he is accused of "autocratic" style of functioning by politicians, Mundhe is getting huge support of residents, activists and intellectuals who organised a "Walk for Commissioner" yesterday. However, the corporators across political spectrum are bent to remove the civic chief.

"This commissioner has zero respect for corporators who are the elected representatives. He believes only in bureaucracy and does not believe in democratic values at all. This is why no confidence motion has been initiated against him," NMMC Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane told PTI.

When asked whether all parties are backing the motion, Sonawane said, "There is no question of supporting this (motion) along the party lines. All the corporators are supporting it."

In 111-member NMMC, NCP has highest number of corporators and also holds post of Mayor whereas Deputy Mayor belongs to Congress.

Interestingly, the 16-member crucial standing committee is ruled by opposition Shiv Sena. When asked about the no confidence motion, Mundhe said he was just "doing his job".

PTI