Opposition Accuses Maharashtra Govt of Rs 3,000 Crore Tunnel Scam

Mumbai, July 2 (PTI): On Wednesday, opposition legislators staged a demonstration at the Maharashtra legislature complex, accusing the BJP-led government of favoring a private company for a significant tunnel project in Thane, alleging a Rs 3,000 crore scam. The tender process for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project was canceled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in May after L&T, having been disqualified, approached the Supreme Court. Gathered on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan complex, MLAs and MLCs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) raised slogans, claiming the government canceled the contract only out of fear of Supreme Court action. The monsoon session of the state assembly and legislative council began on Monday.

Prominent participants in the protest included Leader of Opposition in the council Ambadas Danve (Shiv Sena UBT), Satej Patil of the Congress, and NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil. "Despite significant concerns raised about the project, the government persisted. This is not merely a technical oversight; it is a Rs 3,000 crore scam that the people of Maharashtra should not overlook," stated Danve. Satej Patil asserted that the contractor awarded the project was a known donor of electoral bonds, suggesting, "This is not a coincidence. The government is compensating the same company that has funded it, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness." Jayant Patil demanded an immediate reevaluation of all contracts awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd, the implicated company.

Opposition leaders accused Megha Engineering and Infrastructure of becoming the state's "preferred contractor." "Megha gets the cream, farmers remain hungry," chanted the opposition leaders. Danve emphasized that the opposition would persistently bring up the issue in both Houses until appropriate action is taken, adding, "This issue doesn't pertain to just one company. It concerns the compromise of governance."