Budget change 8211; Kalmadi differs with Bhatia

PUNE, May 14: Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi leader Suresh Kalmadi today hinted that he would oppose Municipal Commissioner Arun Bhatia8217;s proposal of making drastic changes in the civic budget.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting of MVA corporators at PMC headquarters, Kalmadi said he also wanted all the works, identified by Bhatia, to be executed. 8220;However, we were not in favour of transferring budgetary provisions, which were already passed by the general body.quot; Kalmadi said he had asked Mayor Datta Gaikwad to take initiative and sort out the matter.8221;

Kalmadi said funds for the works, suggested by Bhatia could be raised by other means also. The corporation has reserved fund of Rs 200 crore, he said and asked how could they compromise with construction of roads, memorials of Annabhau Sathe and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. He made it clear that he would also hold meeting with Bhatia, if required. Kalmadi expressed displeasure on Bhatia8217;s 8220;unilateral announcements8221; of policy decisions. He hoped that all the policy and major decisions would be jointly announced by the commissioner and the office-bearers.