Minister Zirwal restores licence of Ranjangaon methanol firm, stays Mundhe's action

A methanol chemical company in the Ranjangaon industrial area has got relief from the state government. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had cancelled the company's licence, but Narhari Zirwal, the minister for his own department, has now stayed the action and restored the cancelled licence.

The action had been taken after the hooch incident in Pune. Mundhe is known for action against adulteration, illegal chemical factories and the drug mafia. It was in this context that he had moved against the Ranjangaon company. Following the minister's decision, the matter is being discussed in administrative and political circles.

It is alleged that the company is linked to people close to an influential leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. On the basis of this allegation, it is being said that the minister stopped Mundhe's action under pressure from the party's senior leadership. This has emerged only as an allegation. The company has also been described as belonging to people close to the party's leader.

Since Mundhe took charge as FDA commissioner, the department's action has picked up pace. During this period, the number of complaints received by the department has risen by 557 per cent. The department has conducted raids against adulterated jaggery, artificial colour in jalebi, adulteration of milk and the use of toxic substances in food and drink items.

Another important point has emerged in the matter. A total of 2,418 appeals relating to medicine sale licences have been pending in the FDA minister's office for a long time. Against this backdrop, the immediate relief given to the Ranjangaon company has raised questions about the decision-making process.

After the controversy, Zirwal clarified that he is under no pressure from the party leadership or any political leader while hearing a case or taking a decision. The minister denied any political pressure.

It has been stated that a methanol company in Ranjangaon, Pune, was among these 22 companies. The company is said to be linked to people close to the Nationalist Congress Party leader.