The state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant yesterday alleged that the BJP is having direct nexus and partnership with United Phosphorous Ltd, the company responsible for the death of 40 farmers in Vidarbha region. BJP’s campaign material was being illegally prepared at the company’s head quarters in Khar area which was seized by the Election Commission.
Speaking to reporters, Sawant said, “The black money was generated by giving contracts of Deonar Dumping ground to the same company. The CBI inquiry should be conducted in both the the cases and the truth must be brought out. BJP is now so embarrassed that they are denying having any links with the company but the fact can not be ignored that Pradip Goyal, brother of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal is an independent director of United Phosphorous Ltd.”
“This company was awarded a contract of disposing off the waste material at Deonar Dumping ground worth Rs 4500 Crores by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. BJP MP Sanjay Kakde is also partner in this project. This itself establishes business links of BJP with the company. However, the payment of this company was stopped by BMC as there were allegations of corruption. Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale, who had alleged that Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar had mediated with Municipal Commissioner for clearing the stalled payment. Even the ruling BJP government had also intervened in the issue. Black money earned through these payments is being used for BJP’s campaign,” he stated further.
“Last year 40 farmers died while spraying pesticides on cotton crop and nearly 700 farmers were affected in Vidarbha. Many farmers lost their eyesight while some of have left with permanent disability. These pesticides were prepared by United Phosphorous Ltd. The ruling BJP government conducted inquiry in this through special investigation team and surprisingly, the company was given a clean chit,” Sawant alleged.