Parliament to palika, there should be one party in power: Fadnavis

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has a reputation as a strong orator who would silence the rival camp with well-researched facts and figures. The 46-year-old’s image as a clean, credible and capable leader is the face of BJP which is locked in a bitter battle with its 25-year-old ally Shiv Sena in the polls to the municipal bodies across the state. He questions Sena about the lack of transparency and in a free-wheeling interview to TOI clearly spells out that their old ally has for long failed to adhere to the coalition dharma.
Q. You shared the spoils of power with Shiv Sena in the municipal corporations till now and suddenly you are talking of lack of transparency.
A. The issue of transparency has not come suddenly. Moreover, considering our numbers in the coalition it was like a spot of pickle in a dinner plate full of goodies. We would be unwillingly dragged with them and our voice our dissent was barely audible. Till the time our votes were needed it was a SS-BJP alliance and post polls it would only be a Sena government. I have loyally subscribed to the dharma of coalition but Sena has never followed the coalition dharma.
Q. So there is a bleak possibility of a post-poll alliance with Shiv Sena and Kalyan pattern won’t be repeated ?
A. Yes, we will not have a post-poll alliance anywhere. Until now there was no alternative to the Shiv Sena in Thane but we are emerging as a credible and capable alternative. They have turned it into a do-or-die battle as it is a question of their bread and butter. They will adopt all techniques and resort to all measures during this fight. But I am positive that change will be imminent.
Q. It is proved that coalition politics is proving to be a hurdle in implementing development works. How do you propose to clear this hurdle?
A. Which is why we are asking for a one-party rule in Thane and Mumbai municipal corporation. From parliament to palika there should be one party in power which will have one vision and a clear development plan. You see, I work with a clear conviction and am always open to suggestions and ready to listen to others.
Q. Will the relation with Sena impact your government ?
A. There is no threat to my government. My government will complete its term for five years.
Q. Thaneites continue to be harassed by lack of transparency in toll collections?
A. There has been complete non-transparency when contracts for the toll were awarded during the tenure of Chhagan Bhujbal. However, my government has initiated measures whereby toll contractor servers are linked to our network which helps us assess the collections.
Q. There seems to be an inherent contradiction when we talk about our suburban cities as boom towns, when the fact is they are water stressed and failing to provide basic infrastructure.
A. True, these cities have seen a rush of population and fast industrialization in recent years. Plans for building of dams such as the Shahi dam to cater to the city were then fiercely opposed.
If water from Barvi dam, which is meant only for industrial use, is treated and supplied to Thane, the city’s drinking water issue will be largely resolved. We are also implementing a pilot 20 MLD desalination project in Thane which will augument its supply.
Q. Would you agree that there is political and administrative unwillingness to put in place systems to deal with such pilferages and corrupt practices?
A. Correct. We have to make all civic services accountable to the people. I am now working on projects to build a robust IT backbone infrastructure.
Q. The Smart City concept may sound very good. In reality, however, the quality of life in our cities like Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli is a matter of concern.
A. It is true. We need to do out-of-box thinking. The administration has to encourage zero garbage structures whereby the housing society will be given benefit of FSI if the plot on which they build their waste treatment plan is free of FSI.
Q. Why is the urban development contractor-drive and builder driven?
A. Municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal is working on the same thing and implementing the DP.Since I took over I have cleared 70 DPs in two years and ensured time-bound clearance.