The Mantralaya fire had its repercussions in the Vidhan Bhavan on the first day of the Monsoon Session as the state legislative assembly got adjourned for the day without much business. However, the ruckus caused by the Opposition forced the speaker grant a discussion under rule 97- adjournment motion on Tuesday.
Demanding a detailed discussion on the issue, leader of Opposition, Eknath Khadse said, “The only question on everyone’s mind is whether the fire was an accident or deliberately caused by unscrupulous people in power wanted to dispose of files that might put them in trouble.” He added that people want to know how they could count on the government for their safety when even the CM’s and DCM’s office is not safe.
“There is a reason to get suspicious as the Adarsh scam files had gone missing. We suspect that the Mantralaya fire was a sabotage,” said Mr Khadse. Shiv Sena group leader Subhash Desai also alleged that the fire was deliberate. “It was not a short circuit, as there was a provision for tripping of switch,” he said. MNS group leader Bala Nandgaonkar and Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) senior MLA Ganpatrao Deshmukh also spoke in support of having an immediate discussion on the issue. Mr Deshmukh said that while important files of departments such as UDD and revenue departments have been gutted, it would be unjust to not have a discussion.
Replying to the Opposition the CM said, “The incident has certainly affected the administration. The crime branch inquiry is on and we will table all the files and information in due time.”