Maharashtra Housing Min Prakash Mehta caught in fresh corruption controversy
Congress and NCP accused Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta of being involved in a shady land deal, and demanded his resignation in the state assembly. Mehta is already under suspicion for alleged irregularities in a slum redevelopment project in Tardeo. To make matters worse for him, a letter has been circulated on his behalf which claims his own party members are conspiring against him.
How exactly did Mehta favor private builders?
The concerned 18,902-sq metre plot at Pantnagar (Ghatkopar) was given to NHPL in 1999 for constructing a transit camp. When NHPL failed to hand over the necessary 336 transit camps, the MHADA revoked allotment in 2006, but Mehta allegedly intervened for NHPL. Allotment was finally cancelled in 2012. Allegedly, he recently allotted the plot to NHPL again. Mehta has denied the accusation.
This, after the alleged Tardeo Slum Rehabilitation Agency scam
Just two days ago, CM Devendra Fadnavis had ordered an inquiry against Mehta over the alleged Slum Rehabilitation Agency (SRA) scam. Mehta had allegedly approved more FSI for the construction of a third tower at MP Mills compound and transferred extra building rights, originally meant for slum-dwellers, to project-affected people. This reportedly led to profits of Rs. 500-800cr for the builder.
Did the CM know?
There was another controversy over whether Fadnavis knew of Mehta's alleged wrongdoings. "The noting on the file about having informed me was an unintentional flaw by Mehta," the CM claimed. "Though he directed transfer of rights, there was no decision taken. I had stopped it."
Meanwhile, 'letter' by Mehta blames party colleagues
Meanwhile, Mehta has invited the wrath of his party colleagues when a 'clarification' supposedly issued by him claimed he was being targeted by a combined opposition and his partymen, who were eyeing his ministerial berth. He has however denied releasing the statement. "I have sought appointment with Amit Shah," he said. He has also approached police for an inquiry into the letter.
