Congress flays NCP for its stand on Pune metro

The Congress Party in spite of being an alliance partner, has severely criticised the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for the change in stand about the proposed metro railway project in the city.

The Congress alleged that the NCP had made the U-turn as it was afraid of defeat in the ensuing election of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) after the initiative taken by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan.

Group leader of Congress in PMC Aba Bagul told mediapersons that six years ago, all political parties had decided to implement the elevated metro railway project instead of an underground one. A unanimous resolution on metro railway project was passed by the general body (GB) and sent to the state government last year.

Bagul said that the NCP, by suddenly asking for underground metro project, has put on breaks on the development of the city. “The Congress would not tolerate moves to put breaks on city’s development,’’ he said.

He said that chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had declared in the city that the metro railway project would be certainly implemented. He also declared that 4% construction would be allowed in the BDP. The NCP had welcomed his decision on the next day. “Why has NCP suddenly changed its stand? Is it afraid of defeat in the ensuing PMC election?’’ he asked.

He said that the metro railway project is needed for the city. The metro would be elevated one and also 4% construction would be allowed in the bio-diversity park (BDP).

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe on Saturday said that Congress Party had earlier opposed any construction in the BDP but it has changed its stand in view of the elections. The NCP had earlier supported construction in BDP but it has now opposed it.

Citizens are fed up of changing stands by Congress and NCP. They should defeat both these parties in the ensuing PMC election, she said.

She said that Shiv Sena has consistently taken the stand that the hills in the city should be saved and no construction should be allowed in the BDP. The party has started a campaign on the issue from Friday.

Group leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mukta Tilak said that both Congress and NCP had changed stands on BDP and on the issue of public transport. There is a doubt whether they are really interested in city’s development, she added.