VASAI: BJP group leader in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), Ashok Shelke, has urged municipal commissioner Prithviraj BP not to award contracts for Ganeshotsav-related works to non-Hindu contractors, triggering controversy in the civic circles.The civic body has begun preparations for Ganeshotsav, which is only a few days away. Every year, the VVCMC undertakes several arrangements for the festival, including setting up pandals and artificial immersion ponds, barricading immersion routes, providing illumination and making traffic-related arrangementsIn a letter to the commissioner, BJP group leader in VVCMC Ashok Shelke sought that works such as erection of pandals, artificial immersion ponds, barricading along immersion routes, illumination and other arrangements for the festival should not be assigned to non-Hindu contractors.
BJP leader Ashok Shelke’s letter to the VVCMC commissioner seeking
Shelke claimed that a majority of contractors were non-Hindus and alleged that some of them consumed non-vegetarian food while carrying out work during Hindu festivals, which, he said, affected the sanctity of the festival.“Such practices will not be tolerated hereafter. Even if it causes financial loss, municipal works related to Ganeshotsav should not be awarded to non-Hindu contractors,” Shelke said.However, commissioner Prithviraj BP said the civic body would follow the law while awarding contracts.“We follow the law. Anything outside the law will not be followed,” he said.
