Work at standstill as row brews over Maharashtra Sadan

The Maharashtra government has been left in a quandary as sub-contractors engaged in developing Maharashtra Sadan,the new state guest house in the national capital

The Maharashtra government has been left in a quandary as sub-contractors engaged in developing Maharashtra Sadan,the new state guest house in the national capital,have stopped work for the past three months in the wake of the controversy over alleged irregularities in the project involving state Public Works Department Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. The matter has reached Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavans table.

Last July,the then President Pratibha Patil was scheduled to inaugurate the Sadan,but it was postponed due to the controversy. BJP leaders have alleged that the sub-contracts of the Sadan were given to firms related to Bhujbals relatives and associates,and the project cost has shot up from Rs 52 crore to 150 crore.

At least Rs 5 crore more is needed for completion of the project. Pending works relate to the installation of surveillance cameras to furnishing and lighting, said a senior state government official.

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No action is being taken against those responsible for the incomplete project as the CM is learnt to be wary of provoking the minister,who is a senior NCP leader. The matter has become all the more sensitive after Ajit Pawars resignation as Deputy CM. The NCP leadership is suspecting Congresss role behind a spate of disclosures targeting NCP ministers.

The project had been allotted to a private builder,K S Chamankar Enterprises,which had sub-contracted a part of the project to firms,some of which were allegedly associated with Bhujbals relatives.

When contacted,Chamankar denied that the project was incomplete. How could it be incomplete when the then President was going to inaugurate it? There are some minor works that will be completed whenever the government is ready to take over. Asked about the claims of officials that works to the tune of at least Rs 5 crore are yet to be completed,he said,We will do landscaping whenever they are ready to take possession. Until the government takes it over,we cannot start painting; it will get spoilt in 15 days.

Asked about issues like installation of electrical items,he said,We have not put cameras because they will get stolen. We have taken out the lights because they could also be stolen. Earlier,we were planning an opening on November 14,but we deferred it because of Diwali. We are planning it on November 28 now and the CM has to finalise the date.

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Principal Secretary & Resident Commissioner Bipin Mallick,when contacted,refused to comment saying,I am not involved with this project.