Shiv Sena took money for dumping ground closure: Somaiya

Mumbai: In the season of trading charges ahead of the February 21 BMC election, BJP MP Kirit Somaiya today alleged Shiv Sena had taken money from a prominent city builder to ensure closure of the dumping ground in suburban Mulund. "Yesterday, the Sena said they will close down the Mulund dumping ground. In how many rupees was the compromise done? How much money was taken from the builder?" Somaiya said while addressing a press conference.

"You (Sena) settled the issue in a week. This is the Sena culture. That is why Chief Minister Devendra fadnavis had said there will now be an end to the extortion regime after BJP comes to power in BMC," the BJP MP said. "A week ago, the Sena said I took money (from builder) to close the dumping ground. The Sena owes an answer to Mumbai voters on what made it take a U-turn within a week...You (Sena) should return the money taken, into the coffers of BMC," Somaiya said.

Sena MP from Mumbai South Central constituency Rahul Shewale had last week alleged Somaiya is demanding the closure of the dumping ground at Mulund to help a prominent builder. "Somaiya was protesting against Mulund dumping ground; it was just to help a private builder, who has land adjacent this dumping ground," Shewale had alleged.