ECF backs Bhatia, tells corporators to drop motion

After Bhatia left the meeting, a resolution adopted by ECF also asked for the dissolution of the corporation if the corporators did not withdraw the no-confidence motion against Arun Bhatia. Earlier, Bhatia defended his actions and said there was nothing wrong in opening too many fronts at the same time.

8220;It is the same front and that is the fight against a corrupt system,8221; he said, adding 8220;If we have to fight a system, terms like radical change or purge should not be unacceptable to those doing the same.8221;

He said the citizens8217; pressure groups like ECF had been active on the citizens8217; front for several years. 8220;But what kind of change have they been able to bring about. If they still complain about an administration that does not cooperate with them, they have not been very assertive and effective.8221;

The ECF resolution, moved by M S Kirloskar, strongly opposed the no-confidence motion brought by majority of the corporators against Bhatia. It said most of the charges against Bhatia was frivolous and were not concerned with his statutory duties as the municipal commissioner. The resolution has urged the corporators to withdraw the no-confidence motion, failing which the ECF will be constrained to demand dissolution of the corporation. Lt Gen retd Y D Sahastrabuddhe was in the chair.