Nagpur: The Opposition on Monday alleged in the Maharashtra legislative assembly that there was a massive corruption in the toll collection at roads in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts, and demanded a statement from the Chief Minister, apart from appointment of a probe committee.
Davendra Phadanvis (BJP) alleged during the question hour that there was a corruption to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore in the collection at toll-nakas (posts) by private contractors in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad.
As the opposition MLAs entered the well and disrupted the proceedings, Speaker Dilip Valse-Patil adjourned the house for the rest of the question hour when 28 minutes were left. The opposition had not been satisfied with the reply of PWD (public sector undertakings) minister Jaidutta Kshirsagar.
Leader of Opposition, Eknath Khadse (BJP) said the corruption figure could run into Rs 10,000 crore, and demanded a probe by a high-power committee and a statement from the Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan (who was present).
The Speaker however said the opposition MLAs could not insist on a statement from the CM.
This led to a noisy protest and the opposition MLAs trooped into the well of the house. Earlier, replying to the question from Prakash Bhoir and others, Kshirsagar said Rs 1,095.89 crore had been recovered as toll from Mumbai-Pune expressway till May 31, against the project cost of Rs 2,123 crore. The toll collection period was up to April 30, 2030.
PTI