Mumbai: The ruling parties have already created a situation where BMC, Asia’s richest civic body, will have to raise funds through bonds within 100 days. This has been criticised by Samajwadi Party legislator and former SP group leader Raees Shaikh. He has targeted the civic administration for ignoring the state government’s directive against appointing consultants as part of austerity measures. MLA Raees Shaikh said that for the first time in its 133-year history, BMC has decided to raise Rs 950 crore through municipal bonds. Shaikh said that a tender was floated on May 22 to appoint a consultant for the process. These bonds are effectively equivalent to loans, and the interest burden will ultimately have to be borne by the corporation itself, which will indirectly put a financial burden on the citizens of Mumbai. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government have appealed to all government departments and local bodies to be austerity. The state chief secretary recently issued instructions to discourage wasteful spending by appointing consultants. In this backdrop, the BMC has issued an advertisement for appointment of consultants to issue bonds. Instead of spending money on consultants, the BMC’s own officials can handle the process. Shaikh added that the BMC plans to raise Rs 950 crore through bonds in the first phase, and this amount can go up to Rs 10,000 crore in the future. The municipal commissioner had said that future projects will be approved only after a proper feasibility assessment. In that case, why is the BMC trying to raise funds from the market through bonds? The BMC should immediately withdraw its decision to issue bonds, Shaikh urged the civic body to stop wasting public money by appointing external consultants for the bond raising process.

An attempt has been made to spoil the atmosphere before Eid-ul-Adha in Mira Bhayandar, Mumbai. Tensions flared up in the Poonam Coaster building here when Bajrang Dal and Hindu organizations objected to the residents of the society tying and keeping the sacrificial goats in the building’s premises and shed. Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal volunteers reached the society and advised them to file a complaint at the police station to object to the sacrifice. Then, an unknown assailant attacked a Bajrang Dal worker, Nagnath Kamble, Harsh, and a 16-year-old minor. After that, the situation became more tense. The police have deployed additional security. Now the situation is definitely under control, but the tension remains. The residents of the society say that the sacrifice is being forced and there is no permission or permit for the sacrifice or the goat shed here. Despite this, the goats were brought into the society and have been harassed for the past week. Uma Shankar Nath, a building committee member, said that there is no permission to tie up goats and build a shed. Goats were brought from outside. are going and if there is objection to it, controversial comments are made. After this controversy, now it is being said that how will you celebrate Ganpati after Eid? Muslim residents say that sacrifices were performed in the society before but now there is forced objection. Along with this, the situation has deteriorated since last night and today at 12:30 pm, an unknown assailant attacked Bajrang Dal worker Harsh Singh. Now the police have registered a case in this matter but an attempt has been made to give a religious color to this case. When Bajrang Dal volunteers tried to remove the goats, tension increased in the society and the situation deteriorated. The police have issued an alert keeping in mind the situation. On the complaint of complainant Harsh Singh, a case was registered with Kashi Mira police and the search for the attacker is underway. It should be noted that earlier too, a dispute had started in JP North Society over the tying of goats, hence there is a risk of communal tension in Mira Bhayander Commissionerate. In such a situation, the police have issued an alert and the building has been converted into a police cantonment.

As Maharashtra grapples with a growing diesel shortage in several districts, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday assured onion farmers that the state government remains sensitive to their concerns. He announced that the onion purchase price has been increased to Rs 15 and said discussions with the Central Government are underway to find a permanent solution to the issue.

Addressing the media, Fadnavis said diesel demand across Maharashtra has risen sharply, leading to shortage like conditions in some areas despite increased supply compared to last year. He stated that diesel demand in the state has gone up by 52 percent overall.

According to the Chief Minister, Akola alone recorded a 154 percent rise in diesel consumption. More than 70 percent growth in demand has also been reported from districts including Sambhajinagar, Beed, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gondia and Hingoli. He maintained that supply has been increased accordingly in these regions.

Fadnavis also indicated that authorities are examining the possibility of hoarding and diversion of fuel meant for commercial use. “If there is talk of shortage despite increasing supply, then it is necessary to find out the reasons behind it,” he said.

Speaking about the onion crisis, the Chief Minister said the state government had increased the onion procurement price from Rs 3.50 to Rs 15. He added that large scale procurement has already begun and that discussions with the Central Government are ongoing.

Fadnavis informed that a meeting with the Centre will be held on May 27 to discuss long term measures for onion farmers.

Responding to the agitation in Nashik and criticism from opposition leaders, Fadnavis said protests were expected from opposition parties. Taking a swipe at critics, he remarked, “Those who do not get tears in their eyes even after cutting onions are shedding tears.”

He also criticised MP Praniti Shinde, saying first time MPs should speak with greater maturity while addressing public issues.