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Differences crop up between Naik's outfit and Congress

Cracks have developed between the Nagri Vikas Aghadi, floated with the blessings of sacked minister Ganesh Naik, and the Congress which supported the former in the recent mayoral poll in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

The tacit understanding between the Aghadi, led by the former minister's younger brother Tukaram, and the Congress was that the alliance would run the municipal corporation affairs.

This clearly meant that both the sides would have to be in close consultations on the issues raised at the NMMC standing committee as well as the general body meetings, Navi Mumbai District Congress Committee Dyaneshwar Ramdas Patil said.

But, he said, unfortunately, the discussions have not been taking place and Tukaram Naik has been behaving as though he is the whole and soul of NMMC, Patil said in anguish.

"If they (Aghadi corporators) want to shine on their own, let them. We have no complaints whatsoever and we will behave like a responsible opposition and not as partner of the ruling Aghadi," he said.

Patil alleged that Tukaram Naik and company started showing their true colours immediately after the mayoral poll on May 20, when the Aghadi nominee was elected with the support of the Congress and the independents' combine. "They have been taking decisions on various resolutions and civic proposals on their own. There is no trace of any coordinated effort," Patil complained.

Asked if the differences meant that the alliance was over, Patil said, "Our high command asked us to support Naik's candidate for the mayor's post. And we did so, but now we do not see that the intentions of the Aghadi are clean."

Pressed further, Patil disclosed, "Yes, we will function according to our party principles and in the interest of the public who elected us."

Tukaram Naik was unavailable for comment as he was said to be away in Dubai on a private visit.

The NMMC independents group is also upset with the Naik camp's style of functioning. "Let them hand over the corporation to Tukaram Naik," said an angry Santosh Shetty, independent group leader at the corporation.

Meanwhile, some civic contractors alleged that the Aghadi was trying to scuttle their work "unless we agree to the Naik supporters' terms". Ganesh Naik refused to say anything on these matters, "since I am out of civic politics".

"My brother is functioning independently at the NMMC and if he does anything wrong, please publish it," he said disowning the activities of the Aghadi in the civic body.

UNI

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