The curious case of the missing former mayor

Former mayor Kishori Pednekar, who was a familiar face on news channels, has been keeping a low profile for some time. The reason, as per the Eknath Shinde camp, is that she is planning to leave Shiv Sena (UBT). Speculation was fuelled by reports on Friday that the Enforcement Directorate probe into jumbo centres will engulf Pednekar, too. Reports on Friday said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into jumbo centres will engulf Pednekar, too, as she allegedly played an important role and it was on her instructions that the contract was given out to entities under the ED scanner. Sources said the agency may soon summon Pednekar.

Kishori Pednekar, former mayor of Mumbai. Pic/Rane Ashish

Pednekar is known as a firebrand spokesperson of Shiv Sena (UBT) and used to frequently represent the party on news channels. However, for the past two-three months, she has avoided appearing in front of cameras. She emerged before the media on Thursday when she spoke on the demolition of the office of a Sena (UBT) former corporator, in Bandra East. She also made an appearance while attending the Shiv Sena (UBT) anniversary programme. Sanjay Shirsat, an MLA of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, claimed that she will join their team. Even Sena UBT insiders are unaware why Pednekar has been keeping away from the media.

"Even after her tenure as mayor ended, Pednekar defended the party in the media in the wake of the big split," a party functionary said. "If Pednekar was not available in the city, her team used to send videos of her to the media," he added.

Corruption allegations

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had accused Pednekar of corruption, including grabbing a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project flat and involvement in contracts during the pandemic. The police had registered an FIR against Pednekar in the past. "My job is to expose political corruption. A case has been registered against Pednekar regarding the SRA flat grabbing and the contract during the pandemic. That case is sub judice now. I did my duty. Now the court will decide. I don't know whether her political activity has been reduced," said Somaiya.

"I respect Eknath Shinde as the chief minister, but it doesn't mean I will accept his path," Pednekar said on Thursday. "Families are suffering due to political allegations against me. Now the court will decide about that. We have faith in the court. There's no need to answer every allegation of the opponent. Whenever it is needed, I present my party's side and will continue to speak as the voice of my party," she added. "Let them say whatever they want. They have nothing to do with our party," said Arvind Sawant, a member of parliament from Sena UBT.