Congress workers in the city rejoiced as Ramesh Bagwe, an MLA from Pune Cantonment Assembly constituency, was sworn in as Minister of State in Ashok Chavan cabinet on Saturday.

Though there were ministers from Pune rural in the previous Democratic Front government, a need for representation to push city’s development agenda was badly felt. Pune city did not have any representation for five years. Before that, city MLAs Chandrakant Chhajjed and Balasaheb Shivarkar served as ministers of state.

“This is victory of my party workers and of minorities who supported me. I have been a staunch supporter of Suresh Kalmadi for last 25 years. Because of his support, I became chairman of standing committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation, and then an MLA. Now, it is because of him that I am a minister,” Bagwe said.

Bagwe said he would push for formation of Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). “The master plan of PMRDA would be prepared in such a way that slum dwellers do not get affected. A long-term vision for the city’s development is needed and a body like PMRDA has become a necessity,” he said.

“I would take up the PMRDA issue with the state government. I would try to get funds for development works held up due to paucity of funds. I will also try my best to get the work resumed for the 10 flyovers planned in the city which are stuck up. In order to get the funds from the Centre, I will request the city MP to take up the issue in Delhi,” said Bagwe.

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