DEBATE: Oppn,CM trade charges on slum rehab scheme

“It (the discussion) was a selective attack. It creates an impression there is no transparency,” Chavan said,“The figures quoted (Rs 50,000 crore) are mind-boggling. It will ultimately hamper rehabilitation of slumdwellers by deterring investors from participating in SRA projects.”

On the allegation that the government favoured developers like Ackruti Builders,Chavan said during the Shiv Sena-BJP regime,Ackruti Builders was granted 10 projects under the Shivshahi Punarvasan Prakalp as well as a loan of Rs 233 crore,“which was the worst kind of plunder of the state treasury.”

Chavan said the Sena-BJP government had sanctioned seven project proposals by Kiran Hemani of Ruchipriya Developers,named by the Opposition as favoured. “From 1995-99 the government sanctioned 435 projects worth Rs 60,000 crore,” he said. “The more we sling mud,the more muck we’ll get. Stop this political war. Don’t vitiate the atmosphere and discourage investors.” He said land is not given free under the SRA; developers are charged 25 per cent of the cost.

Chavan pointed out that Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna,in Tuesday’s special edition,carries advertisements from 35 to 38 prominent builders,including those named by the Opposition. The Sena’s group leader Subhash Desai said accepting an advertisement does not indicate a nexus with the advertiser. He said Chavan faced charges of publishing “paid news” in newspapers during last year’s elections.

Khadse said his allegations are backed by documentary evidence and offered to quit if proved wrong. He accused the government of rejuvenating the business of a builder blacklisted by the Sena-BJP government. He demanded a stay on questionable SRA deals and the constitution of a joint committee of legislators to examine projects. When Chavan declined,Opposition members walked out.