In a rare convergence of political positions, the Congress party has extended its support to the Bharatiya Janata Party's demand to scrap the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's public-private partnership policy for leasing out five civic schools to private entities. Congress MLA Amin Patel has formally written to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, urging the immediate cancellation of the policy. Patel's letter echoes concerns previously raised by Mumbai BJP President and Andheri West MLA Ameet Satam, who had strongly objected to the allocation of plots reserved for municipal schools to private institutions.
Congress MLA Patel's Objections
In his communication to Bhide, Patel highlighted that the PPP policy was implemented without completing any due process. He questioned the haste in the allotment of five plots and demanded an investigation into whose orders or which officers' connivance facilitated the move. Patel called for strict legal action against those responsible. He further stated that the allocation of the five plots should be immediately cancelled and a committee should be appointed to comprehensively reconsider the policy. Additionally, he insisted that a discussion on the issue be held in the BMC general body to formulate and implement a well-rounded policy.
BJP's Earlier Stance
Last week, Ameet Satam had written a similar letter to Mayor Ritu Tawde and the BMC commissioner. Satam pointed out that the policy was framed when the BMC general body was not in existence, preventing detailed discussion on its terms, conditions, the civic body's role, and benefits accruing to the BMC. He accused the administration of implementing the policy in haste without adequate consultation with elected representatives and with a lack of transparency. Satam asserted that prima facie, the BMC's interests had suffered under this policy.
Demand for Corrective Action
Satam emphasized the need for an in-depth discussion involving all elected representatives and education sector experts to protect the larger interests of the BMC and the city. He demanded that the BMC immediately revoke the allotment of the five plots, appoint a committee to review the policy comprehensively, hold a detailed discussion in the civic house, and then formulate and implement a balanced and inclusive policy. The Congress's backing adds significant weight to these demands, marking a rare bipartisan stance on a local governance issue.
This opposition to the PPP policy is part of a broader trend of scrutiny of policies enacted during the administrator's tenure, following the recent civic polls. The controversy underscores the importance of transparency and stakeholder consultation in public-private partnerships involving civic assets.
