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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 4:59:11 pm

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as...

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as independents, setting the stage for high-stakes, multi-cornered contests. Mahayuti Turmoil The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is grappling with rebellion on multiple fronts. In the critical Nagpur Graduates constituency, a traditional BJP stronghold, former BJP MLC and Nagpur Mayor Anil Sole has thrown a spanner in the works by filing his nomination as an independent candidate. This move directly challenges the official BJP candidate, Sudhakar Kohale. While the BJP leadership, including state president Ravindra Chavan, has attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that Sole has been "pacified," the former MLC's actions tell a different story. Sole's decision to contest independently is particularly significant given his long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his previous stint as a BJP MLC from the very same constituency. The situation is equally complicated in the Amravati Teachers constituency. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has officially fielded Kiran Sarnaik. However, adding to the confusion, Sangita Shinde, sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, has also entered the fray, potentially splitting the Mahayuti vote. The opposition MVA is also facing its share of internal discord here. While the Congress has nominated Aditi Pohre, daughter of former minister Harshvardhan Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Dattatray Lahane. The presence of numerous candidates representing various teachers' organizations further complicates the electoral arithmetic in this constituency. Opposition Rebellion The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Graduates constituency has witnessed another surprise development. While the NCP's sitting MLC, Satish Chavan, was widely considered the frontrunner, the BJP's M.K. Deshmukh has unexpectedly filed his nomination as a rebel candidate, catching the Mahayuti leadership completely off guard. The MVA, too, is facing rebellion in this constituency. Although the seat was officially allocated to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Dilip Ghuge has also filed his nomination, causing significant heartburn within the opposition alliance. The Pune constituencies present a microcosm of the larger alliance troubles. In the Pune Graduates constituency, the BJP has fielded Dr. Smita Jadhav, the daughter-in-law of Pratap Singh Jadhav, owner of the 'Pudhari' news group and niece of Congress leader Satej Patil. Adding intrigue to this contest is the fact that she is contesting against Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, the official candidate of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). However, the real drama is unfolding in the Pune Teachers constituency. The BJP's official candidate, Koustubh Gawde, is facing a formidable challenge from Mangesh Chiwate, a close confidant of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chiwate, a former journalist who handled the CM's medical aid cell while Shinde was the CM, has claimed that his party leadership has provided him with the crucial 'AB' form, signaling official backing. Commenting on the chaotic situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that seat-sharing talks remained inconclusive in some areas but expressed hope that the alliance partners would eventually reach an agreement. The true picture of the electoral battlefield will only emerge after Friday, October 9th, the last date for the withdrawal of nominations. Until then, both alliances will be working overtime to contain the rebellions and present a united front, but the deep cracks exposed by these developments suggest that the upcoming MLC elections will be fiercely contested and highly unpredictable.

Metro Mayhem

Correspondent
Feb 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Feb 27, 2025

The ongoing battle between Systra, the French engineering firm, and Mumbai’s Metro authority, the MMRDA is an indictment of India’s infrastructure governance, exposing how megaprojects are often ensnared in allegations of corruption, bureaucratic maneuvering and diplomatic friction. At stake is not just the fate of one consultancy contract but Mumbai’s ambitious metro expansion and India’s reputation as a credible destination for foreign investment in infrastructure.


What makes the case explosive is Systra’s allegations against senior MMRDA officials who reportedly demanded undue favours, delayed payments and pressured the firm to inflate contractor orders. Systra has even sought diplomatic intervention, with the French embassy stepping in to urge the Maharashtra government to resolve the dispute.


The firm also alleges that similar methods have been used against DB E&C, a German consultancy, which raises uncomfortable questions about how MMRDA deals with foreign firms. If true, the allegations paint a troubling picture of how major infrastructure projects are managed in India’s financial capital.


The MMRDA has retaliated with its own set of accusations. It claims that Systra violated Indian laws, breached contract confidentiality, engaged unauthorized personnel and made engineering and design errors. The agency’s 27-page report to the Maharashtra government outlines multiple deficiencies, extending beyond mere cost overruns. Yet, this counter-offensive does little to mask the glaring governance issues at play. If Systra was so grossly incompetent, why was its contract extended in the first place?


The case exposes a broader malaise in India’s infrastructure sector. The country’s rapid urbanization demands world-class transit solutions, yet project execution is often marred by bureaucratic inefficiency and vested interests. International firms bring technical expertise and global best practices, but navigating India’s often murky procurement and execution processes can be a test of endurance. If credible foreign players like Systra and DB E&C are mistreated, global confidence in India’s infrastructure market will take a hit.


Corruption allegations in large-scale urban transport projects are hardly new. Across India, metro rail contracts have long been fertile ground for rent-seeking. The larger concern is how such controversies affect India’s attractiveness to foreign firms. For Maharashtra’s government, this scandal is a headache it can ill afford. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised transparency, but words will not suffice. The inquiry into MMRDA’s conduct must be swift and impartial. If corruption is found, heads should roll. Likewise, if Systra is indeed guilty of contractual breaches, due process must be followed without vindictiveness. The state’s reputation, and Mumbai’s urban future, depends on how this debacle is resolved.


An obvious lesson for India here is that if it aspires to be a global economic powerhouse, its governance of megaprojects must be above board. Infrastructure-driven economy cannot thrive on shadowy dealings and arbitrary decisions. Otherwise, India risks driving away the very expertise it needs to build its future.

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