PONDA: Both these politicians never lose opportunities to criticise each other over any issues and this time it was hot-mixing of the road.
Two political rivals from Ponda Taluka, former PWD minister Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar and Cooperation Minister Govind Gaude had a verbal clash since past two days over a circular on hot-mixing of the roads.
Pointing out over a government circular that no road shall be hot-mixed after May 15, Dhavalikar said that despite this hot-mix carpeting has been done at Ponda near PES College by Minister Gaude and that the government should conduct an inquiry into it.
He said, “After hot-mixing of the road there is a need of at least one month’s time to cure it so that it is not washed away in the rains.”
Not happy over Dhavalikar’s criticism, his political rival and Cooperation Minister Gaude counter attacked him saying that there is no need of advice from Marcaim MLA who when as PWD Minister violated all norms. He is frustrated now after losing the power.
“His condition is like fish without water now and so opposing all the good works launched by the government. He himself constructed so many roads during his tenure violating rules and that too in rainy season in his constituency. He even constructed private road for benefit of his sister-in-law and also hot-mixed road at Farmagudi without tender for benefit of daughter’s wedding.”
As far as the government’s circular is concern, Gaude said it is subject to rain. He had taken the hot-mixing work of some urgent roads with prediction that rain may occur after June 5 and by that 15 days will be sufficient for the road to dry after they are hot-mixed.
However, replying to Gaude’s fresh criticism Dhavalikar agreed that yes he had conducted hot-mixing work in the rain but at that time there was no such circular in force prohibiting such works. He said, “This minister has no proper knowledge about it.”
“I just had brought to the notice that as per the government circular no minister or officials could conduct hot-mixing or sewerage digging work after May 15, because, after the 15th, mostly pre-monsoon showers commence and the work hampers thereby wasting public money. Even contractor is taken to task.”
“This circular was issued by Chief Minister on August 30, 2019 and not by me. If the government or the minister won’t to conduct the hot-mixing work they should first withdraw this circular. Without withdrawing, it is clearly visible that the ministers are clearly and openly violating the circular issued by their own Chief Minister,” Dhavalikar added.
“If the minister is not listening to the issue we can’t do anything. I have not opposed hot-mixing but pointed out to the circular but he (Govind) speaks whatever he wants. Henceforth, I will not talk on this circular.”
