Bhandara: Serious allegations have been levelled against Bhandara MLA Narendra Bhondekar, including alleged misuse of government funds, duplicate work orders for the same work, and an alleged revenue loss of ₹100–150 crore.
BJP leader Jackie Rawlani reportedly held a press conference around five days ago, claiming to have presented documents related to these allegations.
The press conference was subsequently covered by News18 and other major media platforms, with reports also appearing on their respective YouTube channels. However, even after five days, there has been no clear public information regarding any further investigation or administrative action in the matter.
This has now raised a direct question among the public: If a similar case involved an ordinary citizen, would the police and administration remain silent for so long?
According to the allegations, separate work orders worth approximately ₹2.26 crore from the Mineral Development Fund and ₹1.85 crore from the Local Development Fund were allegedly used for the same work. There are also allegations of unauthorised excavation or storage of more than 50,000 brass of sand and murum across an area of around 40–50 acres, resulting in an alleged loss of government royalty.
Bhondekar Calls the Allegations Political
MLA Narendra Bhondekar has rejected all the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and factually baseless. He has also stated that no road around his medical college premises was constructed using government funds.
However, the matter should not remain limited to political allegations and counter-allegations. The documents and claims that have been placed in the public domain need to be independently and impartially verified.
Public Demand: Investigate and Take Action If Charges Are Proved
The police, Revenue Department and Mining Department should conduct a transparent investigation into the matter.
If the allegations are found to be true, strict legal action should be taken against MLA Bhondekar and anyone else found responsible, without political pressure or influence.
At the same time, if the allegations are found to be false, the investigation should establish the facts clearly before the public.
It has been five days since serious allegations were raised at the press conference and subsequently reported by major media platforms, yet the direction of any official investigation remains unclear.
The question before the people of Bhandara remains:
“Is the law different for an ordinary citizen and an elected representative? If not, when will this matter be investigated and, if wrongdoing is established, when will action be taken?”