Maharashtra News: Ex-Minister Kapil Patil Targets NGO Using Jijau Mata's Name, Alleges Corruption In Road Works

Thane: Former Union Minister Panchayati Raj, Kapil Patil launched a veiled attack, without naming Nilesh Sambre — the convener of Jijau Sanghatana — while addressing the media. Patil stated that the name of Jijau Mata is revered in every Maharashtrian’s and Indian's heart and has played a significant role in shaping Maharashtra.

Bhiwandi-Wada Road Sparks Outrage

However, he alleged that one NGO, which used the name of Jijau Mata, engaged in corruption and unethical practices. "I urge the government not to allow the name of Jijau to be used by those who have engaged in bogus work and collected funds without fulfilling their work," Patil said.

कल्याण पश्चिम विधानसभा मतदारसंघातील विविध विकासकामांबाबत व नियोजित योजनांबाबत पत्रकारांबरोबर संवाद साधला. तसेच कल्याण पश्चिम विधानसभा मतदारसंघातील विविध कामांची सविस्तर माहिती दिली.
.
.#mediainteraction #press #DevelopmentWork #KALYAN #KapilPatil pic.twitter.com/XbCH5imWpT

— Kapil Patil (@KapilPatil_) July 26, 2025

He further asserted that action should be taken regardless of whether the person belongs to the Mahayuti alliance or any other faction. Patil indirectly referred to Nilesh Sambre, pointing out that he joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

He also mentioned that Shantaram More, an MLA from Bhiwandi Rural (Shinde faction), had raised the issue in the assembly, demanding that the contractor be blacklisted or any other action to its poor performance.

It is notably and highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Bhiwandi-Wada Road, where peoples have lost their lives and many others have been disabled. Several social organizations have staged protests over the issue.

Contract Irregularities Surface

Dattu Gite, a PWD officer from Thane, told The Free Press Journal that the road concretization work has been split between two companies — Jijau Company and Eagle Company. Eagle Company has been awarded road work worth approximately ₹777 crore (excluding patchwork) for the Shelar to Manor stretch, while Jijau Company has been assigned ₹45 crore worth of patchwork for the Shelar-Borpada to Ambadi stretch.

Gite added, "We have issued notices to Eagle Company following the emergence of multiple potholes. Protests have been carried out by villagers, local political parties, and the Shramjivi Sanghatana over this issue. The work order was issued in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2027. Failing which, appropriate action will be taken."

Political Jabs at Balya Mama

Patil also took a jibe at the sitting MP from Bhiwandi Constituency, Suresh Mhatre alias Balya Mama, reportedly stated him to present proof of any significant development done within a year. “If he has indeed accomplished so much, let him show us — we’ll felicitate him,” Patil said.

'Focus on rural areas needed for sustainable development': MoS Raj Kapil Patil at G20 ECSWG 2023

Cites ₹29,000 Cr Projects

During the press conference held in Kalyan, Patil listed various development projects initiated during his decade-long tenure. He claimed that he had secured funding worth thousands of crores for his constituency, citing ongoing works like the Kalyan Metro, a proposed indoor stadium at Subhash Maidan, and multiple road infrastructure projects.

“In the last ten years, development projects worth at least ₹28,000 to ₹29,000 crore were approved. These works are still in progress.