A year later: Pune MPs failed to give solid push to big-ticket projects

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However, nowhere does he mention anything about the much-needed rural hospital that he had promised in his past two terms as an MP. “Hundreds of residents from Rajgurunagar, Chakan, Manchar, Junnar have to come all the way to Sassoon Hospital or YCM Hospital for treatment. For two terms, Adhalrao has failed to get a big hospital for rural folks,” said a BJP leader.

Adhalrao said, “I have been pursuing the issue of a hospital like Sassoon for my constituency with both the state government and the Centre, but without any luck. I am confident, I will be able to get it done during this term.” Adhalrao scoffed at the allegations by his detractors that he had done little to resolve the Red Zone issue which involves the fate of 20,000 constructions. “The defence minister has promised to resolve the issue by September…In my first term, there was no Red Zone issue in my constituency. Our government was not in power in my second term.”

Pune MP Anil Shirole, during an Idea Exchange at The Indian Express office, also remained evavise when asked why big-ticket projects like Metro and BRTS were dragging on for years. “The delay in Metro was due to several problems in the plan envisaged. After consulting experts, we have submitted a final report to the state government and are awaiting a final nod.” On the limping BRTS project too, Shirole cited technical difficulties that hindered the launch.

However, his critics are unsparing. “Apart from holding discussions on Metro and BRTS, Shirole has not been able implement projects. Pune is a seat of education, but what has Shirole got for Pune. Where are the IIMs and the IITs…in Nagpur? His performance has been really below par,” said Vijay Kumbhar of Surajya Sangharsh Samiti.

Shirole, however, exuded confidence that the airport project would start soon. Baramati MP Supriya Sule has apparently spent “a lot of time” in trying to resolve water, traffic and road issues in her constituency, especially in Daund. Besides, it was Sule who brought “cheer” to 1,100 employees of PSU Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd, Pimpri, when she raised their 11-month pending salary issue in Parliament.

Immediately after she spoke, the government had promised to pay the salary arrears. However, the employees are upset with her as they are yet to receive their salaries. “Though Sule got an assurance from the government, she has not been able to get us the salary,” said Sunil Pataskar, general secretary, HA Employees Union. Sule’s office said there are procedures involved and employees would get their salaries soon.

Maval’s first-time MP Shrirang Barne of the Shiv Sena has also “failed” to live up to his words vis-a-vis illegal constructions.

“During poll campaigns, he used to say that if his party comes to power, he would not allow a single structure to be demolished. But during a special drive, PCMC demolished over 300 structures and Barne could do nothing,” said BJP leader Sarang Kamtekar.

However, Barne, at a press conference, boasted of his biggest achievement in his constituency – settling the Urban rehabilitation issue.

“The farmers whose land was taken away for the JNPT project have been rehabilitated,” he said. Barne said be it the issue of reviving HA, Red Zone or illegal contructions, he is working towards resolving them and would need time.

The MPs are also accused of failing to put up a united front in getting Pune’s issues resolved. “The MPs have no unity among them. If they had all teamed up and met Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, I don’t think the minister would have refused to increase the frequency of local trains, an issue that is pending for 20 years. At least, they would have been able to make some kind of impact,” said Harsha Shah of Railway Pravasi Sangh. Her views are shared by several activists in the city. “Barne and Adhalrao are apparently not on talking terms.

Since Sule is from NCP and Shirole from BJP, both are rarely seen discussing problems plaguing the city. This means, the MPs are not united. In fact, if the MPs form a team and meet ministers and the prime minister, it will carry weight…,” said Manav Kamble of Nagari Haqq Suraksha Samiti.