‘Who Will Protect Pune’s Ram?’ Shiv Sena (UBT) Backs PMC Commissioner Amid Political Pressure

Pune, 29th September 2026: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has extended its support to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram amid reports alleging political pressure and threats against the civic chief over a road construction tender process worth around ₹90 crore.

The party has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding an immediate and impartial inquiry into the allegations, legal action against those found responsible, and protection for government officials to ensure they can discharge their duties without political interference.

Under the headline, “Who Will Protect Pune’s Ram?”, the party has questioned the state government over the alleged incident and called for the protection of the municipal commissioner.

According to reports cited in the party’s letter, a BJP MLA allegedly pressured Ram to award a road works contract to a preferred contractor. The reports also alleged that the commissioner was threatened with the registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The reports stated that Ram had confirmed the incident.

The party’s letter used the Ramayana as a metaphor to question the alleged interference in the functioning of the civic administration.

“Ravana in Lanka had ten heads, but in the Pune Municipal Corporation, Ravanas with many heads are attacking this Ram to plunder the civic body. Who will protect this Ram?” the letter stated.

Shiv Sena (UBT) claims tender decision saved ₹9 crore

The party also claimed that information had emerged suggesting the tender in question would have cost the civic body around ₹9 crore more than the amount offered by other contractors, and that the decision taken under the applicable rules had helped save public money.

It said the allegations raised serious concerns about the functioning of the civic administration, particularly if an officer taking decisions in accordance with established procedures and in the interest of taxpayers was subjected to political pressure.

‘We stand firmly behind the commissioner’

The Shiv Sena (UBT) said it stood firmly behind Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and the decisions he had taken in accordance with the rules.

The party emphasised the need for transparency in municipal development works, proper utilisation of taxpayers’ money and an administrative system free from political interference.

Letter seeks independent probe and protection for officials

In its letter to Fadnavis, the party has sought the following steps:

• An independent inquiry into the allegations that the commissioner was threatened by the BJP MLA.
• An investigation into alleged political interference in the road tender process.
• Protection for government officials and employees against political pressure.
• Examination of documents related to the tender process to establish the facts and make them public.
• Legal action against those found responsible following the inquiry.

The party said officials must be able to perform their duties without political pressure and urged the chief minister to intervene promptly and ensure that the commissioner could work without fear.

The letter was submitted to Fadnavis by Shiv Sena (UBT) joint contact chief Sanjay More and PMC group leader Nitin Gaikwad.