Status of PCMC remains unclear

Municipal commissioner Rajeev Jadhav claimed that the list released on Thursday was not final and another was expected. “I have spoken to the state government officials and further communication about the matter is expected,” he said.

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Officials said that another list was expected by the beginning of September and they hoped that Pimpri Chinchwad would be included in that list.

Meanwhile the political leadership of Pimpri Chinchwad was also unclear about the matter. Shiv Sena MP from Shrirur Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil said that he has spoken to senior officers of the state government and was waiting for more clarity. “It would be very unfortunate if Pimpri Chinchwad is not been included in the list and I will blame the state government for this,” he said.

Known for its better infrastructure, the exclusion of Pimpri-Chinchwad has created a political storm in the area. Ruling NCP has accused the state government for intentionally sidelining the city in favour of Pune. BJP MLA from Chinchwad Laxman Jagtap blamed the rampant corruption by the NCP in implementing central schemes under the erstwhile Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNRUM). “The ruling NCP’s corruption has reduced the marks of the area. They are to be blamed for this,” he said.