Pune: Ajit Pawar gets stuck in traffic jam in Lonavala (Video)
Pune: Those who frequently commute between Pune and Mumbai experience traffic jams in Lonavala. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar himself faced a snarl at the hill station. A Marathi news channel recorded how his convoy found the way through the jam.
Later, speaking at a function in Lonavala, Pawar said, “The number of tourists visiting Lonavala is very high. But they should take care, failing which an untoward incident can happen. I was stuck in a traffic snarl a short while ago. There is heavy traffic due to a long weekend. Lata Mangeshkar was once stranded due to a jam for eight hours. Many face the problem. We are trying to find various solutions to this. Now, the missing link is being built. Now, you will be able to bypass Lonavala through a road before entering Bor Ghat.”
Pawar recalls his past journeys
Pawar said, “Many years ago, the Pune-Mumbai journey would be incomplete without Ramakant’s Vada-Pav in Khopoli and Daji’s Bhaji (Pakodas) in Khandala. Later, the scenario changed. The Expressway was built. These famous eateries bore the brunt. So, choose a strategic place to conduct your business. When I was not very well known, I used to visit Bhushi Dam and other popular spots. I used to enjoy nature. But I cannot do that now.”
Drug peddling will be dealt with sternly
Pawar said, “Serious crimes are taking place in Lonavala. The new generation is getting destroyed due to drugs. I am going to issue stern directives to the police to take strict action against drug peddlers and the mafia. I am warning the police that if a drug incident happens within the jurisdiction of any police station, strict action will be taken against officials from that police station. I will not tolerate this. I will ask the Home Ministry to take action.
“Even if a drug incident happens at my hotel, action should be taken. Do not avoid action for some money. Acting against only those who do not pay ‘hafta’ should not happen. Are MD, MA, ganja and charas not sold here? Raise your hands if it is happening here. Why don’t you raise your hands, I am doing it for you all. Are you frightened of raising your hands? Yes, now the hands are going up. That means drugs are sold here. The police should look into this. It is your responsibility to maintain law and order. Register cases, invoke stringent sections. People should feel secure in Lonavala.”
