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Nagpur News.
NMC Mayor Anil Sole, who of late owned the dubious distinction of being more associated to campaigns than city development, recently bore the brunt of former BJP President Nitin Gadkari who reprimanded him over shoddy state of civic amenities adding to the woes of citizens. According to sources, Gadkari reportedly upped his angst towards Sole and asked him to put in his papers if he could not do justice to his position. However, Sole tried to douse the fire by coming up with an assurance of results too soon, sources revealed.
Gadkari’s seriousness appeared more evident in view of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit in Nagpur to attend 150th Anniversary Celebrations of NMC.
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Wednesday 07 Jan. 2025
Not willing to face the wrath alone, Sole vented his ire upon NMC administration which has been acting lame over repairing major chunk of roads riddled potholes and craters.
Sole reportedly took senior NMC officials to task over pathetic condition of roads saying that if they deliberately delay the repair works or construction of new roads, he would go for people’s participation in the work. Sole had asked the officials to carry the road works on urgent basis. Sole is said to have directed NMC officials to use hot mix for speedy repair of roads but complete the works anyhow before the President’s visit.
Insiders revealed the top BJP leaders are of the view that the party’s has taken a severe beating in wake of sorry state of city roads in several areas. Even a PIL has also been filed in the court in this connection. As the Lok Sabha elections are drawing closer, the top BJP cadre believes the bad shape of roads could block the party’s poll prospects.
The Mayor’s warning to NMC Administration of repairing the roads with the participation of citizens adequately points out no value to his words, sources said.
No value for Mayor’s words
Insiders informed that only close aides in every area value Mayor’s words. Rest cares a hoot. The Mayor has only emerged as “Ambassador of Public Campaigns.” And the Administration is happy in this situation of “No control over them.” Even the lower rung employees neglect Mayor’s orders, the sources said.
Till now, the Mayor is credited for campaigns like tree plantation, mission Nag River Cleaning, anti-dengue, malaria and other petty campaigns. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the Mayor is taken as synonymous to campaign by many in his circle these days.
NMC bosses ignorant
On the hind side, top NMC bosses noticeably ignore the directives of the Mayor and the Ruling Party. The administration’s trick appeared to have worked well as Sole seems quite contented with the campaigns boosting his social aura. Insiders say that the day Sole assumed as city Mayor, no concrete action or decision has been taken for citizens to remember. On the contrary, the NMC authorities have blatantly trashed all orders and directives. The dismal picture could be seen when the NMC Commissioner and other officials nodding over every directives by the Mayor.
