Angry corporators want the transfer of Kishor Gandhi to be revoked

Kishor Gandhi, assistant municipal commissioner of the R-Central Ward, was suddenly transferred, after he pulled down the illegal structures that came up on a sprawling BMC plot in Borivli. This has sparked a major row in the civic body. Borivli-Dahisar corporators of every political hue, except those from the BJP, held a dharna outside the R-Central Ward office in Borivli on Saturday demanding that Gandhi’s transfer be revoked. Corporators and several activists plan to intensify the stir by starting an indefinite fast on Monday.

 

The official has recently been in the news for ordering a crackdown on a party hall whose proprietor enjoys strong ties with the local BJP leadership, sources said. Last week, Gandhi brought down a makeshift Diwali sweetmeat shop which had sprung up off the busy railway station road in Borivli.

 

MNS corporator from Borivli (East) Chetan Kadam alleged that the BMC administration was “coerced” by BJP leaders into getting Gandhi transferred to an inconsequential posting in the eastern suburbs. “It’s a punishment transfer,” said Kadam.

 

The transfer controversy could bring a huge embarrassment to the BJP in the runup to the BMC elections, say civic observers. Former Mumbai mayor Shubha Raul participated in the agitation, which reflected unprecedented political unity on the issue.

 

Apart from Kadam, Congress corporators Sheetal Mhatre and Shiva Shetty, Shiv Sena’s Sheetal Mhatre, NCP’s Sandhya Doshi and former corporator Bhaskar Khursunge joined the morcha. Several NGO activists were present too. Gandhi received his transfer order from municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta on November 3, it is learnt. The official hasn’t assumed charge of his new office.

 

Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta called it a routine transfer though. When asked if the transfer followed notices that Gandhi had served, Mehta said this doubt should be raised “if the notices are not carried to their logical conclusion by the newly appointed officer”.

 

Education minister Vinod Tawde, who represents Borivli assembly constituency in Vidhan Sabha, issued a statement denying any role in Gandhi’s transfer. “Transfers are carried out according to government rules and regulations,” said Tawde.

 

Shiva Shetty, Congress corporator from Gorai, said, “Gandhi’s transfer is patently unjust and unfair. If he is not brought back to his R-Central Ward office by Monday morning, all corporators from Borivli and Dahisar, barring those from the BJP, will begin an indefinite fast outside the ward office.” Kadam said the “conscientious” official was being punished for ordering the demolition of a clutch of illegal sheds on a BMC-owned plot in Eksar Dongri, Borivli (West).

 

 

“A BJP functionary from Dahisar is said to be responsible for the illegal sheds on a civic plot admeasuring 7,000 square metres,” said Kadam.

 

As the row heated up, BJP MLA from Dahisar Manisha Chowdhury was quick to dash off a letter to Mehta, urging him to reinstate Gandhi. She denied seeking the transfer. “Had this been a routine transfer we would not have objected,” said Sheetal Mhatre, Sena corporator.