Opposition Leader Vijay Wadettiwar Criticizes MPCB Chairman Over Controversial Mercedes-Benz Plant Visit In Pune

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 26th August 2024: Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, has sharply criticized Siddhesh Kadam, Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), for his recent and controversial visit to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Pune. Wadettiwar accused Kadam of engaging in activities that could tarnish Maharashtra’s reputation instead of focusing on his official duties.

During his statement, Wadettiwar raised several concerns regarding the nature of Kadam’s visit to the Mercedes-Benz plant:
1. Unannounced Inspection: Wadettiwar questioned why a sudden inspection was conducted at the Mercedes-Benz plant without any prior notice or warning issued to the company. He implied that such actions could be seen as harassment and could damage Maharashtra’s business-friendly image.

2. Unusual Entourage: The Opposition leader highlighted that typically, technically experienced officers conduct such inspections. However, on this occasion, Kadam was accompanied by a group of 35 individuals, of whom only four were government employees. Wadettiwar questioned the presence of 31 private individuals at the plant, raising suspicions about the true nature of the visit.

3. Prohibited Photography: According to Wadettiwar, photography is prohibited within the Mercedes-Benz plant, yet Kadam reportedly conducted a photoshoot during his visit. This has raised further concerns about the intent behind the visit.

4. Deleted Tweet: Wadettiwar also pointed out that a tweet regarding the inspection tour was deleted from the official MPCB Twitter handle after media inquiries. This action has fuelled speculation and further questions about the transparency of the visit.

In recent developments, the MPCB inspection led by Chairperson Kadam revealed that the Mercedes-Benz plant was allegedly non-compliant with the state’s pollution control guidelines. However, the controversy has been exacerbated basis Punekar News report that MPCB had not issued any prior notice or warning to Mercedes-Benz India regarding non-compliance in the past year. This lack of communication has drawn criticism, with many questioning the effectiveness and fairness of the MPCB monitoring processes. Also, adding to the controversy, it was noticed that Siddhesh Kadam visited the plant with a large entourage, only a small fraction of whom were actual MPCB officers, has sparked further concerns. The purpose and nature of the visit have come under scrutiny, leading to a political uproar and increasing pressure on Kadam and the MPCB to clarify their actions.

Wadettiwar’s criticism comes after Criticism by MP Amol Kolhe of NCP (SP) and MP Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shivsena UBT. Wadettiwar pointed out, that Maharashtra is struggling to attract large-scale industrial projects. He warned that such actions could discourage potential investors and further harm the state’s economic prospects.