09 January,2024 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic
Former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the absence of representation and local governance in Pune has stalled essential public projects, leaving several key developments in limbo. For the past year, Pune has been without a Lok Sabha representative since Girish Bapat's passing and he alleged that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led government has not conducted by-polls for their vested interests.
Thackeray scion took to social media X (earlier Twitter) and wrote, "For a year now, Pune is without representation in the Lok Sabha⦠only because the illegal regime in Maharashtra fears losing the seat. But, the BJP-sponsored khoke sarkar doesn't even seem to bother about public works and serving citizens!"
Pune's new airport terminal, which was completed more than four months ago, is yet to be open to the public, he said adding that there have also been delays in the inauguration of projects like the MTHL (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) and Digha Railway Station, which have been pending for three and eight months, respectively.
Furthermore, the Uran line's opening has been delayed, depriving Pune of substantial infrastructural developments, reportedly due to the unavailability of schedules from VIPs affiliated with the contentious "khoke sarkar", Aaditya Thackeray further wrote.
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The changing political landscape in Maharashtra slowed progress on Pune's projected new airport, which was rerouted following a change in the ruling government. The rapid removal of Vedanta Foxconn from the Pune District to Gujarat, as earlier planned by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) shows the seeming indifference to Pune's economic potential, the Sena (UBT) leader alleged.
He questioned, "And now even an airport terminal inauguration awaits inauguration dates for 4 months. How can Maharashtra expect any justice, if cities like Pune and Mumbai are so hated by the central ministries and state regime? Do they have no time at all for even inaugurations in Maharashtra??"
The Pune Alternate Fuel Conclave (PAFC) started by the MVA to be an annual international conclave in Pune, has also been shut down by the khoke sarkar. It was intended to give a boost to Maharashtra's Alternate Fuel sector and Pune's highly developed vehicle industry sector. What is the bjp-sponsored khoke sarkar achieving through the economic suffocation of Maharashtra, Thackeray wrote.