Sena MLA alleges irregularities in food and civil supplies dept tenders, says Bhujbal’s nephew running dept, Sameer denies charge

Nashik: Nandgaon MLA Suhas Kande of Shiv Sena on Thursday alleged massive irregularities in the senior NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal-headed food and civil supplies department’s tender process.

He also claimed that Bhujbal’s nephew, former MP Sameer Bhujbal, was running the show at the department, even as the latter rubbished the claims as the outcome of political frustration.Kande held a protest on the steps of the Maharashtra legislature and demanded a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the matter. He alleged that transport tenders for ration and essential commodities worth nearly Rs 4,000 crore were riddled with irregularities and should be cancelled immediately.

He even sought criminal action against officials and contractors allegedly involved in the process.Questioning the transparency of the tender process, Kande alleged that the contract period was extended from three years to five without adequate justification. He further objected to a decision that, according to him, removed the powers of district collectors, sub-divisional officers and tehsildars to inspect grain transport vehicles, leaving oversight solely with the department.

“This has weakened the inspection mechanism and created scope for malpractice,” the MLA said.He also raised concerns over the exclusion of hamali (labour charges) from the revised transport rates, claiming the move could adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 2 lakh mathadi workers across the state. Alleging cartelisation, Kande said, “A handful of contractors have controlled the transport contracts for the past 12 years through collusion, preventing new entrants from participating in the process.

”The MLA also pointed to Bombay high court’s stay on the tender process and demanded a detailed investigation into the matter. The protest took a political turn when Kande accused Sameer of exerting significant influence over the department and its key tender decisions. “Sameer is effectively running the food and civil supplies department. His role in the tender process must be investigated,” Kande alleged.Kande and Sameer have been political rivals in Nandgaon, where Kande defeated the latter, who contested the assembly elections as an Independent candidate.Rejecting the allegations, Sameer termed them baseless and politically motivated. “The tender process has been executed with cabinet approval and the issue is sub judice before the Bombay High Court, which will deliver the appropriate verdict,” Sameer said, adding, “These allegations are politically motivated, lack proper study and do not deserve serious consideration.”