KALYAN: Days after a civic staffer was allegedly assaulted during an anti-encroachment drive and the hawkers’ issue was raised in the general body meeting, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation commissioner Abhinav Goel has intensified action against illegal vendors, launching a special ‘pedestrian-friendly city’ campaign across multiple wards. Acting on the directives of municipal commissioner Abhinav Goel, coordinated drives were carried out on April 21 across Wards D (5), F (6) and G (8), targeting unauthorised hawkers, handcarts and roadside stalls obstructing footpaths and roads. The crackdown comes in the wake of strong criticism from corporators during Monday’s general body meeting, where members across party lines accused the civic body of failing to act decisively against illegal hawkers. The issue gained urgency after a municipal staffer was allegedly assaulted by hawkers during a drive near Pendharkar College to Gharda Circle in Dombivli. In Ward D, action was carried out in areas including Khadegolavali and Katemanivali. Civic teams seized 32 handcarts, removed 17 stalls and dismantled nine iron structures using JCB machines under the supervision of assistant commissioner Umesh Yamgar. Simultaneously, in Dombivli East, encroachments were cleared along Station Road up to Icon Hospital on Manpada Road. Officials removed 14 stalls, seized 16 handcarts, dismantled 35 temporary sheds and cleared multiple counters. Around 60 banners were also taken down, while equipment from unauthorised shops—including weighing scales from chicken vendors—was confiscated. Three illegal shop units constructed in a passage of a local store were sealed. The action in Wards F and G was led by assistant commissioners Prasad Thakur and Bharat Pawar with support from local police and civic staff. Civic officials said the drive is part of a larger effort to make roads and footpaths encroachment-free, ensuring safer pedestrian movement and easing traffic congestion. Authorities have warned that similar drives will continue across the municipal limits. However, the selective nature of the crackdown has drawn criticism. Several corporators pointed out that key areas such as Kalyan station’s western side—from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to the assistant commissioner of police’s office—as well as parts of Kalyan East, Ambivli, Titwala and Thakurli remain untouched. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) functionary Bhalchandra Patil questioned the legality of the action, pointing out that while the Street Vendors Act was enacted in 2014, it has not been fully implemented in the KDMC area. “The civic body conducted a survey in 2024, identifying around 9,000 hawkers, but no proper rehabilitation has been done. Taking action without implementing the law raises serious concerns,” he said, demanding that the drive be halted until due process is followed. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Namita Patil also flagged the absence of action in several areas, particularly along Katemanivali Road and Titwala. Despite the criticism, many residents have welcomed the drive, saying that clearing encroachments has improved accessibility and reduced congestion in several busy pockets of Kalyan-Dombivli. Officials maintained that the ‘pedestrian-friendly city’ initiative will be expanded to other wards in the coming days, with a focus on sustained enforcement against illegal hawking.

Tensions between alliance partners Shiv Sena and BJP came to the fore in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation after a stormy general body meeting over the appointment of the Leader of Opposition. The controversy erupted when Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam, at the end of the general body meeting, declared the lone Congress corporator as the Leader of Opposition in the 78-member house. The move triggered sharp protests from BJP corporators, who opposed the decision and alleged procedural violations. Despite the uproar, the mayor proceeded with the decision and initiated the national anthem, effectively concluding the proceedings. BJP leaders accused Shiv Sena of violating “alliance dharma” and taking the decision without prior discussion in the coordination committee. BJP group leader Rajesh Vadhrya claimed that, as per legal provisions, a single-member party like Congress does not qualify for the post of Leader of Opposition, and that BJP was the rightful claimant. “The issue was brought up suddenly in the House without any prior consultation. This is a betrayal of alliance trust,” Vadhrya said, adding that the party would raise the matter with senior leadership and seek guidance on whether to continue the alliance in the civic body. He also said BJP is considering challenging the mayor’s decision in court after taking permission from state leaders. BJP leaders further alleged that this was the second instance in which the mayor had pushed through a decision in a similar manner by abruptly introducing the subject and concluding proceedings with the national anthem. Corporators also staged a protest against the municipal secretary, accusing officials of not conducting proceedings as per rules. Later, BJP members also demonstrated outside the office of Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale. Responding to the allegations, Shiv Sena leader Kamlesh Nikam, husband of the mayor, defended the move, stating that the appointment of the Leader of Opposition is the mayor’s right. “Since Congress is the only party in the opposition, the mayor exercised her power to appoint its corporator to the post,” he said. Nikam also questioned BJP’s claim, saying, “If BJP is part of the ruling alliance, how can it stake claim to the Leader of Opposition post?” The incident has exposed growing unease within the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Ulhasnagar, with the dispute likely to escalate further in the coming days.