PMC to spend Rs 30 lakh to replace Mayor, Deputy mayor's vehicles

Bapu Karne

Just two years ago, the Pune Municipal Corporation had spent R12 lakh on purchasing a new sedan for then Mayor Vaishali Bankar. Most people would see no need for the car being replaced - especially since the PMC is cash-strapped - but not the civic body's standing committee, which has accepted a proposal to spend R30 lakh to replace the cars of Mayor Datta Dhankawde and Deputy Mayor Aba Bagul.

PMC standing committee Chairman Bapu Karne said the administration did not give any clarification on the proposal despite being asked

The proposal's contention? Their cars have become old. What's even more startling is that the funds which will be used to buy the cars were reserved to be used for waste management.

The mayor's Corolla Altis was bought during Bankar's tenure, used by her successor Chanchala Kodre and is now being used by Dhankawde.

Deputy Mayor Aba Bagul has an Ambassador. Pic for representation

Besides the mayor and deputy mayor, the chairpersons of important PMC committees also receive vehicles to be used for official purposes.

PMC standing committee chairman, Bapu Karne said, "Some members of the standing committee had brought this proposal before the meeting today (Wednesday) and despite asking for clarifications, the administration did not give any. I don't have any issues with my own car and I don't want a new one."

The mayor currently has a Toyota Corolla Altis. Pic for representation

When Mayor Dhankawde was asked about the issue, he said, "The standing committee has approved this proposal. But, purchasing new cars from funds reserved for waste management is not correct."

Deputy Mayor Bagul, however, said he needs a new car. "If the mayor accepts the new car, then so will I. My Ambassador is quite old and it is consuming too much fuel," Bagul said.