A political war of words has erupted between former Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar and sitting MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar over the controversial plotting and land sale in Survey No. 485/1-A at Tivim, with both leaders exchanging sharp allegations over plot transactions and a road construction No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued in May 2025.
The dispute revolves around the sale of plots in the survey number between 2012 and 2016, when Kandolkar was MLA, and the subsequent issuance of a road construction NOC during Halarnkar’s tenure.
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Responding to allegations, Kandolkar asserted that the plotting and sale of land parcels were carried out strictly as per the rules in force at the time and that no irregularities were committed. He alleged that the issue was being politicised to divert attention from what he termed as shortcomings of the present leadership.
Kandolkar also questioned the logic behind granting a road construction NOC in 2025 if the earlier transactions were indeed illegal. “If there was any illegality in the plotting process between 2012 and 2016, why did the concerned authorities issue an NOC for road construction now?” he asked, adding that all permissions had been obtained through due process.
Defending the decision, Halarnkar said the NOC was issued based on technical recommendations and in accordance with departmental procedures. He clarified that the NOC pertains only to road access and does not in any way regularise or validate any alleged irregularities in past land transactions.
Halarnkar further stated that if any violations are detected in connection with earlier plot sales, they would be examined by the competent authorities. He accused the former MLA of misleading the public and assured that transparency would be maintained.
The issue has triggered debate in Tivim, with residents seeking clarity on the legality of the plotting, road access permissions, and adherence to planning norms. With both leaders standing firm, the Survey 485/1-A controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days.
