Shiv Sena Questions PMC: Disparity in Treatment Between Narayan Rane and Pune Residents

Pune, 29th February 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented a stringent policy requiring the full settlement of property tax arrears before permitting the reopening of sealed buildings for the general public. However, a notable exception occurred when the property of Union Minister Narayan Rane and his family was sealed, and the seal was lifted upon payment of only Rs. 25 lakhs. This discrepancy in treatment has raised questions about the differing approaches towards Union Minister Rane and the ordinary citizens of Pune.

Expressing concerns over this perceived disparity, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray party city chief Sanjay More and Gajanan Tharkude posed inquiries about the distinct treatment handed out to Union Minister Rane in contrast to the residents of Pune. In response to these concerns, a delegation from the Thackeray group met Deputy Commissioner Madhav Jagtap on the 29th and presented their grievances.

The PMC had sealed R Deccan Mall at Deccan Corner due to outstanding dues totalling Rs. 3 crore 77 lakh. The action drew attention as the property was registered under Narayan Rane’s family. In protest, Rane contended that the PMC’s tax assessment was erroneous. The property’s seal was ultimately lifted after the payment of Rs. 25 lakh in taxes. The Thackeray group seeks clarification on the perceived preferential treatment accorded to Union Minister Rane and calls for a fair and uniform application of PMC policies.

Sanjay More emphasized, “PMC should have insisted on the complete settlement of taxes from Rane before lifting the seal and addressing his objections. However, under political influence, they succumbed to pressure, accepted Rs. 25 lakhs, and removed the seal. The same leniency should be extended to ordinary residents of Pune.”

Gajanan Tharkude remarked, “Even for minor tax discrepancies, the properties of common citizens are sealed. However, PMC appears to be yielding to the influence of Union Ministers. We demand a written clarification on the process behind unsealing these properties. If Rane doesn’t pay, we might resort to pleading just to cover his arrears.”

PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar stated, “PCMC routinely unseals properties of other citizens upon payment. A complaint regarding taxation has been received, and a decision will be made in an upcoming meeting in the next few days.”