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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [भारत]July 11 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday alleged that the Maharashtra government is protecting contractors involved in the 'missing link' project of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway because they allegedly fund the ruling parties.

Addressing a press conference, Pawar claimed that there is a "politician-contractor nexus" behind the rescue of the Missing Link project by the government, despite concerns raised after the recent landslide near the project site. Speaking on the controversy, Pawar said, "Missing Link Project: There is a huge political-contractor nexus in this. The government is shielding big firms like Newyuga and Afcons from accountability for the cracks on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway because they fund the ruling parties."

His comments come amid the ongoing political controversy over the Missing Link project after heavy rains earlier this week led to a landslide near one of its tunnels, disrupting road traffic and rail services.

Fadnavis defended the project

The controversy escalated further when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly defended the project in the Assembly and rejected allegations that public money was wasted in it. Fadnavis criticized those he believed to be spreading misinformation about the project and later replaced his earlier "pony for hire" comment with phrases like "bhatka gardabh" and "suparibaaz", targeting the critics. The Chief Minister said that calling the project a failure and claiming that "Rs 7,000 crore was wasted" was tantamount to insulting Maharashtra. He said the missing link is an engineering achievement that has reduced accidents in the ghat section and improved connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Fadnavis also said that the government had consulted experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), who have recommended additional safety measures that will be implemented to strengthen the project.

Demand for judicial inquiry into Ram Mandir donation case

Taking on the government on another issue, Pawar demanded a judicial inquiry into alleged financial irregularities related to the Ram Mandir donation issue. "We demand a judicial inquiry into the Rs 1,500 crore Ram Mandir land scam and audit of the Rs 34,000 crore Nashik Mahakumbh works. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's counter-allegations by Siddhivinayak are just a tactic to divert attention," Pawar alleged. His comment has come amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case in Ayodhya. On Friday, investigating officer Ashutosh Tiwari presented evidence and documents collected during the police remand of the three accused before the anti-corruption court. The Supreme Court is also scheduled to hear on July 13 petitions seeking an independent probe into alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Questions raised on ethanol blending policy

Pawar also criticized the Centre's ethanol blending policy and expressed concern about its impact on old vehicles. "Ethanol Policy: Encouraging ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent in older vehicles will lead to technological losses. Unless flex-fuel cars are widely introduced in India, 100 per cent ethanol is impractical," he said.

The Center has maintained that the transition to E20 fuel has been done after extensive consultations with automobile manufacturers, testing agencies and other stakeholders. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said manufacturers supported its rollout after technical assessment on vehicle compatibility, engine performance, emissions and fuel efficiency. It also said that operating multiple fuel grades across the country would create significant logistical and operational challenges and that field data has not indicated widespread issues related to E20 in older vehicles. (ANI)