Khandala | Correspondent
Angered over the delay in issuing tenders for development works worth ₹40 lakh sanctioned under the Road Grant Scheme, the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has warned the Khandala Municipal Council of a “no tax payment” protest if the works do not begin soon.
A delegation of party office bearers — including Tatya Narute, City President Mahendra Gadhave, Deputy City President Sumit Gaikwad, OBC Cell President Sagar Gurav, Industrial Cell President Shantanu Gadhave, Prathamesh Khandagale, Dhairyasheel Narute, Shubham Gadhave, Vikram Gaikwad, Sunny Chapri, and Anil Gaikwad — submitted a memorandum to Municipal President Ujwala Sankpal and Chief Officer Dr. Kalyan Hulge.
The memorandum stated that the development works were sanctioned in the municipal meeting held on December 20, 2024. However, even after 11 months, the tender process has not begun because relevant documents remain unsigned. As a result, the municipal president has kept the projects on hold, the delegation alleged.
The NCP has warned that if the sanctioned funds are diverted to other wards instead of being used for the approved locality, residents of that ward will refuse to pay property tax. “If the situation continues, hoardings declaring ‘No Tax Payment’ will be put up, and citizens across the city will be urged to withhold taxes,” the statement read. The party also accused the municipal council of showing partiality in executing development works.
The memorandum set a 15-day deadline for initiating the tender process, failing which protests will be launched in the affected wards with visible displays of tax resistance.
Sharad Pawar’s NCP Goes on the Offensive in Khandala
Party leaders said the fund was meant for genuine taxpayers and local infrastructure within Khandala city. They added that the move is aimed at ensuring balanced development across all wards, rather than favoring selected areas, reflecting the party’s growing assertiveness under Sharad Pawar’s leadership.
