Maharashtra’s Toll Exemption Sparks Debate
Vijay Wadettiwar and Priyanka Chaturvedi Criticize
In a recent announcement, the Maharashtra government declared a full toll exemption for all light motor vehicles entering Mumbai. Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, criticized this move as an election ‘jumla’, suggesting it was a tactic to deceive the public. He claimed that Rs 800 crore would be used to benefit certain individuals, indicating political motives behind the decision.
UBT Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar sentiments, labeling the decision as a desperate measure ahead of the upcoming elections. She pointed out that the announcement coincided with the impending imposition of the model code of conduct in Maharashtra, suggesting it was a last-minute attempt to retain power.
CM Eknath Shinde Defends the Decision
On the other hand, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the toll exemption as a ‘historic decision’ and a ‘masterstroke’. He emphasized that the move would alleviate traffic congestion at Mumbai’s entry points, reduce pollution, and save time for commuters. Shinde expressed satisfaction that this long-standing demand of the people was fulfilled during his tenure.
Details of the Toll Exemption
Maharashtra minister Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse provided further details, stating that the exemption would take effect after midnight. The toll plazas affected include Dahisar, Anand Nagar, Vaishali, Airoli, and Mulund, where charges ranged from Rs 45 to Rs 75. Approximately 2.80 lakh light vehicles will benefit from this decision, which was under discussion for several months.
Other Government Decisions
In addition to the toll exemption, the Mahayuti alliance government has been rapidly approving proposals. These include salary increases for D.Ed. and B.Ed. teachers in Madrasas, raising the share capital of the Maulana Azad Minority Economic Development Corporation, and renaming the Maharashtra State Skill Development University after Ratan Tata. The state cabinet also passed a resolution urging the Centre to award the Bharat Ratna to the late Ratan Tata for his contributions.
Doubts Revealed
Toll Exemption -: Toll exemption means that certain vehicles do not have to pay money at toll booths when entering a city. In this case, light motor vehicles entering Mumbai don’t have to pay toll fees.
Vijay Wadettiwar -: Vijay Wadettiwar is a politician in Maharashtra, India. He is part of the opposition and is criticizing the toll exemption decision.
Priyanka Chaturvedi -: Priyanka Chaturvedi is another politician in India. She is also criticizing the toll exemption, calling it a move to gain votes before elections.
CM Eknath Shinde -: CM Eknath Shinde is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He is defending the toll exemption decision, saying it will help reduce traffic and pollution.
Election ‘jumla’ -: An election ‘jumla’ is a term used to describe a promise made by politicians that is not meant to be kept, just to gain votes during elections.
Light Motor Vehicles -: Light motor vehicles are smaller vehicles like cars and small vans. They are different from heavy vehicles like trucks and buses.
Toll Plazas -: Toll plazas are places on highways where vehicles have to stop and pay a fee to use the road. The fee is used for road maintenance and development.
Ratan Tata -: Ratan Tata is a well-known Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons. He is respected for his contributions to business and philanthropy in India.
