Former Bhiwandi Mayor Vilas Patil Arrested in Multi-Crore Land Transaction Case
The Thane Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested former Bhiwandi mayor Vilas Patil in connection with a land transaction case that dates back over a decade. The case involves properties valued at several crores of rupees, highlighting significant financial irregularities.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Although the land transactions in question occurred more than 11 years ago, the case was officially registered in June of last year. It specifically pertains to two separate land deals from 2015. Patil was taken into custody on Saturday morning and subsequently produced before a Bhiwandi court. The court has remanded him in police custody, allowing authorities to conduct further investigations into the allegations.
Political Fallout in Bhiwandi's Fractured Municipal Corporation
This arrest has sent shockwaves through Bhiwandi's political landscape, particularly given Patil's reputation as a key strategist and 'kingmaker' in local politics. The 90-seat Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation currently operates under a fractured mandate, with no single party holding a majority. This situation has led to intense negotiations among various political groups.
Initially, a 'Bhiwandi Secular Alliance' was proposed, comprising Congress with 30 corporators, NCP (SP) with 12 seats, and SP with 6 seats, claiming support from 48 members. However, SP's six corporators later reportedly withdrew their backing, demanding the mayor's post as a condition for their support.
On the opposing side, BJP with 22 corporators and Shiv Sena with 12 have been actively reaching out to smaller parties and independents to secure the necessary numbers for governance. Patil, as the chief of the Konark Vikas Aghadi, which holds four corporators and has the support of one independent, was reportedly working on an alternative strategy amid SP's distancing from the secular alliance.
Patil's Strategic Influence and Past Political Maneuvers
According to sources, Patil had been attempting to regain influence in the mayoral race by engaging with Sena's 12 corporators, NCP (SP)'s 12, Bhiwandi Vikas Aghadi's 4 corporators, and even some BJP corporators. His arrest adds a significant twist to these post-poll alliance-building efforts, potentially altering the political equations in Bhiwandi.
Political observers note that Patil has a history of influencing outcomes despite limited representation. In 2019, his party secured only four seats, yet he engineered a coalition by bringing together 18 Congress corporators and 20 BJP members. This strategic move facilitated the election of his wife, Pratibha Patil, as mayor. Both Vilas and Pratibha Patil have previously served as mayors of Bhiwandi.
Analysts also highlight that Patil once shared cordial relations with BJP, which was evident in 2019 when BJP corporators extended support to help Patil's camp secure the mayor's post. This arrest not only impacts the current political scenario but also raises questions about the future dynamics of alliances in Bhiwandi's municipal governance.
