Pune: Chikhali-Charholi TP Scheme Faces Sharp Opposition from MLA Mahesh Landge

Chikhali, 3rd May 2025: Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the implementation of the proposed Town Planning (TP) Scheme for Chikhali and Charholi by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). He has demanded an immediate halt to all proceedings related to the scheme, citing administrative overreach and lack of consultation with local representatives and residents.

In a letter submitted to PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh, Landge stated that the TP Scheme had been announced without taking elected representatives or local residents into confidence. Calling it an autocratic move, he said such unilateral actions by the administration are unacceptable and should not be tolerated in a democratic framework.

Landge emphasized that any town planning initiative in Chikhali-Charholi must involve dialogue with locals, including elected leaders and the native population. Imposing the scheme during the administrator’s tenure without adequate consultation is deeply regrettable and sets a poor precedent, he said.

Referring to the development works carried out under the BJP’s rule in the last decade, Landge said significant improvements had been made in roads, water, electricity, and drainage systems in the merged villages of Pimpri-Chinchwad. He noted that representatives like him have worked at the grassroots to bring meaningful change, and any scheme that sidelines their role damages public trust.

Raising a sharp question, Landge asked who would be held responsible if such top-down decisions lead to public resentment against the government and local representatives.

He further criticized the administration for proceeding with the TP Scheme without even informing public representatives, who only learned of it through the media. He recalled that a similar attempt was made between 2017 and 2022 but was stalled due to strong opposition from local leaders and residents.

Landge concluded that the current move is unjust to native landowners and small entrepreneurs in the area. He reiterated his demand that the scheme’s implementation be immediately suspended and re-evaluated through proper public consultation.