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This is an archive article published on August 12, 2017

Devendra Fadnavis orders probe against two ministers, bureaucrat

The Opposition had been demanding action against Mehta and Desai. While Mehta is a BJP minister, Desai is from Shiv Sena.

maharashtra government, maharashtra new colleges, maharashtra govt education, devendra fadnavis, Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde, indian express news Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File Photo)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced probes against two ministers and a serving bureaucrat facing corruption charges. Fadnavis made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly and Council. While Lokayukta will probe the charges against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, the CM said, an independent probe will be launched against Industries Minister Subhash Desai. Fadnavis also ordered probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar, who was last week removed as vice-president and managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. A team from the Economic Offences Wing will probe the charges against him.

The Opposition had been demanding action against Mehta and Desai. While Mehta is a BJP minister, Desai is from Shiv Sena. Although the CM did not make any commitment on seeking resignations of the ministers till the probe was complete, he said he won’t compromise on transparency and principles. “If ever a situation arises, I would walk out of the government, giving up the seat of power than compromise with corruption.”

Demanding Mehta’s resignation, the Opposition has alleged that the minister violated norms in the MP Mills Compound redevelopment project in Tardeo. Mehta faces allegations of sanctioning a slum redevelopment project without the CM’s consent and in violation of Development Control norms, in the process providing a Rs 500-crore benefit to a private developer. Fadnavis scrapped the project when the irregularities were brought to his notice.

The Opposition has also alleged violations by Mehta in two more housing projects related to redevelopment of transit camps and slum colonies in Ghatkopar. Desai has been accused by the Opposition of denotifying 31,000 acres of land to provide financial benefit to private developers.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

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