Congress leader questions use of official vehicle for Kalyan-Dombivli mayor's Nashik temple trip

An allegation has set political circles in Kalyan-Dombivli buzzing. Congress district president Naveen Singh alleges that a government vehicle and staff were used for Mayor Harshali Chaudhari's private pilgrimage to temples. He has targeted the Shiv Sena Shinde faction over the issue.

According to Singh's allegation, the mayor went to Nashik on the pilgrimage and was accompanied by a government vehicle, a driver and security personnel. The controversy has arisen over this trip.

Singh asked how appropriate it was to use a government vehicle and staff for a private event when the municipal corporation is said to be short of funds. He said people holding public office should keep rules and responsibility in mind while using official facilities.

Two days ago, Singh staged a protest by begging at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation headquarters, over retired KDMT employees not receiving their dues. Citing that matter, a demand has also been raised that, with retired employees' dues pending, the administration should give clear information on how the corporation's funds and official facilities are used.

Singh has appealed to the leaders of the Shiv Sena Shinde faction to give the mayor proper advice on her alleged conduct.

Social activist Shrinivas Ghanekar has also said that using a government vehicle for a private event is not right.

There is no separate confirmation of the nature of the Nashik trip, the official permission for the use of the vehicle or the rules that apply. It is also not confirmed whether Mayor Chaudhari or the Shiv Sena Shinde faction has given any official response to the allegations. An official reaction from those concerned would be needed to establish whether the allegations are correct or any rules were violated.