Vasai: Ashok Shelke, BJP group leader in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), has requested municipal commissioner Prithviraj B P not to award contracts for Ganeshotsav-related works to non-Hindu contractors, triggering controversy in 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 arrangements.In a letter to the commissioner, 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.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 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.
