Pune Civic Tenders: Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram Says No Political Pressure Will Influence Decisions

Pune, 30th September 2026: Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has said that civic tenders and development works will be decided strictly according to rules and without political or external pressure, amid an alleged dispute with a ruling BJP MLA over a ₹90-crore road project.

According to civic sources, the MLA allegedly threatened to file a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Ram and warned other civic officials of breach-of-privilege action after a contractor allegedly preferred by the MLA did not secure the work. The dispute relates to a ₹90-crore tender floated in December 2025 for the construction of a 17-metre-wide alternative road between Sangamwadi Bridge and Bund Garden under the Mula-Mutha riverfront development project.

Sources said the MLA had allegedly sought the disqualification of an eligible contractor from the tender process. However, the contractor cleared the scrutiny conducted by the civic administration and quoted the lowest rate. Consequently, the contractor allegedly preferred by the MLA did not secure the contract.

Responding to the issue, Ram said the tender process had been conducted in accordance with administrative rules and that he had no personal interest in the outcome of any tender. “Rules cannot be set aside for any work. I am not an officer who takes decisions at someone’s behest or under pressure,” Ram said.

He said elected representatives had the right to raise issues and convey citizens’ concerns, but decisions taken by the administration would be based on rules and transparency.

Ram also said he had earlier served as Pune district collector and had maintained good professional and personal relations with elected representatives. While differences could arise between elected representatives and officials at lower levels, he said he had not had any personal dispute with anyone.

“I believe in being a good human being first and then a good officer,” he said.

The commissioner said the civic administration would maintain transparency and impartiality in all works. He added that attempts to influence decisions through pressure would not change the administration’s approach to tendering and civic works.