Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, Dec 9: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed brief but intense disruptions on Tuesday after BJP legislators levelled serious allegations against senior IAS officer Tukaram Munde, prompting a ten-minute adjournment and sharp exchanges between Treasury and Opposition benches.

Raising the issue, BJP MLA Krishna Khopade alleged that Munde had issued cheques worth Rs 20 crore in 2020 without proper authorisation. Khopade claimed he was later threatened by two individuals said to be supporters of the officer, warning him against speaking out. He told the House that he had filed a police complaint with the Sitabardi police and notified the Commissioner of Police, the chief minister’s office, and speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Khopade also highlighted that Munde has been transferred 24 times in two decades of service, insisting that such a record warranted a thorough probe into his conduct. Supporting the demand, BJP legislator Pravin Datke cited additional grievances, including the cancellation of a woman employee’s leave just days after childbirth and the scrapping of several of Munde’s decisions by the Urban Development Department.

Responding to the escalating confrontation, minister Girish Mahajan informed members that the issue had already been raised with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had “taken the matter seriously” and would ensure appropriate action. Continued protests from the Treasury benches forced deputy speaker Anna Bansode to adjourn the House for ten minutes.

After proceedings resumed, Khopade and Datke repeated their call for swift action, but Opposition leaders urged caution. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar reminded the Assembly that despite numerous inquiries and 24 transfers, Munde had never been found guilty of misconduct. He further pointed out that even the National Commission for Women had cleared him of allegations in past cases, and that complainants had in some instances been penalised.

Wadettiwar warned against punitive action rooted in personal grievances. “No officer should be targeted simply because someone is unhappy with them,” he said.

Addressing the House, chief minister Fadnavis said all dimensions of the matter would be examined impartially. He emphasised that threats made to an MLA were unacceptable and assured members that a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted, with the Assembly duly updated on its findings.