2 weeks ago
Vasai-Virar Janata Darbar Sees Political Clash Over Water, Power
On Independence Day, local leaders in a town called Vasai-Virar had a big public meeting called a Janata Darbar.
At the meeting, they argued about water bills, power cuts, and building projects.
A former leader named Hitendra Thakur said that when he was in charge, there were no long power cuts.
He also said many new bridges and power stations were approved during his time.
He asked who raised the price of water.
The current leader, Rajan Naik, said work is still going on, like a new power station in Kaman.
Another leader, Manoj Patil, said some people have illegal water connections and pay no bills.
The mayor, Ajeev Patil, said the city has already started cutting off those illegal connections.
The leaders want better water, electricity, and roads for the people who live there.
During the Municipal Corporation's Janata Darbar on Independence Day, former MLA and Bahujan Vikas Aaghad (BVA) President Hitendra Thakur attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over water tariff hikes, frequent power outages, hospital projects, and delayed development work.
Thakur claimed that power cuts lasting 4 to 5 days never occurred during his tenure and that substations in Kaman, Virar, Marambalpada, Chinchoti, and Virar East were sanctioned through the Energy Minister during his term.
He stated that seven bridges and four railway overbridges under MMRDA were sanctioned in 2024 during his tenure, and questioned BJP MLA Rajan Naik, asking who the sitting MLA was when the water tariff hike was implemented.
Naik defended his record, noting the Kaman EHV substation is in its final phase, the Chikhaldongri substation was relocated due to the Coastal Road project, and Achole Hospital land was transferred to the Municipal Corporation free of cost, saving Rs 22 crore.
Leader of Opposition Manoj Patil alleged thousands of illegal tap connections exist across Vasai taluka with uncollected taxes, while Mayor Ajeev Patil said the process to disconnect unauthorized connections has already commenced.
- Who
- Former MLA and Bahujan Vikas Aaghad (BVA) President Hitendra Thakur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Rajan Naik, Leader of Opposition Manoj Patil, Mayor Ajeev Patil, and other civic officials and residents.
- What
- A political clash at the Municipal Corporation's Janata Darbar over water tariff hikes, power outages, hospital projects, and delayed development work.
- Where
- Vasai-Virar region.
- When
- On Independence Day (specific year not stated in the report).
- Why
- Opposition leaders questioned water tariff hikes, power supply, and development delays, while ruling leaders defended their records and the municipal administration.
Opposition leaders (Thakur, Patil)
BJP MLA Naik and Municipal Administration
Water tariff hike
Opposition leaders (Thakur, Patil)
Hitendra Thakur questioned the recent water charge hike, saying tariff increases must be passed by the general body, and asked who the sitting MLA was when the hike was implemented.
BJP MLA Naik and Municipal Administration
Rajan Naik defended his record and highlighted ongoing development projects rather than addressing the hike directly in the report.
Infrastructure and power record
Opposition leaders (Thakur, Patil)
Thakur claimed power cuts of 4-5 days never occurred in his tenure, that substations were sanctioned through the Energy Minister, and that seven bridges and four railway overbridges were sanctioned in 2024; he also reminded the BJP that 'the Janata Darbar is meant for public dialogue, not political attacks' and that his 'sleeves are always rolled up.'
BJP MLA Naik and Municipal Administration
Naik cited the Kaman EHV substation in its final phase, the Chikhaldongri substation relocated due to the Coastal Road project, and the free transfer of Achole Hospital land saving Rs 22 crore.
Illegal water connections
Opposition leaders (Thakur, Patil)
Manoj Patil alleged thousands of illegal tap connections exist across Vasai taluka, with uncollected taxes letting private individuals pocket revenue, and demanded an immediate inquiry.
BJP MLA Naik and Municipal Administration
Mayor Ajeev Patil said the process to disconnect unauthorized tap connections has already commenced.
Key facts
- Event
- Municipal Corporation Janata Darbar (public dialogue)
- Location
- Vasai-Virar region
- Date
- Independence Day (year not specified)
- Key issues raised
- Water tariff hikes, power outages, hospital projects, delayed development work
- Substations cited by Thakur
- Kaman, Virar, Marambalpada, Chinchoti, Virar East
- 2024 sanctioned projects (Thakur's claim)
- Seven bridges and four railway overbridges under MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority)
- Achole Hospital land transfer
- Transferred to Municipal Corporation free of cost, saving Rs 22 crore
- Illegal tap connections (Patil's allegation)
- Thousands across Vasai taluka; Mayor says disconnection process has begun
Quotes
Hitendra Thakur
Former MLA and president of Bahujan Vikas Aaghad
“The Janata Darbar is meant for public dialogue, not political attacks. If you step up to criticize, remember my sleeves are always rolled up.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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