BJP-AIMIM Proximity Debate Resurfaces in Ahmedabad as AMC Awards Gym, Library Contract to AIMIM City President
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sparked a political debate after approving a five-year contract to manage a gymnasium and library in Maktampura ward for AIMIM city president Ejaz Khan Hamidkhan Pathan.
The proposal was cleared by the AMC's Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Committee under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The contract carries an annual rent of ₹6.01 lakh, with a provision to extend it by another three years after reviewing the facilities' performance.
The decision has drawn attention because Pathan, who will manage the civic facilities, heads the AIMIM's Ahmedabad unit and has previously contested elections from the Maktampura ward.
The development has triggered fresh political speculation over the alleged proximity between the BJP and AIMIM, despite the two parties frequently exchanging sharp political attacks in public.
AMC Committee Chairman Defends Tender Process
Jitendra Kharchariya, chairman of the Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Committee, defended the decision, saying the contract was awarded through the prescribed tender process.
According to Kharchariya, no agency participated when the AMC first invited bids. The civic body subsequently floated the tender again, attracting only one bidder.
He said Pathan was the sole bidder and qualified in the technical evaluation, clearing the way for the contract to be awarded.
AIMIM City President Says Tender Has No Party Connection
Pathan has rejected suggestions that the contract has any political connection with the AIMIM.
He claimed that he did not hold any party position when he submitted the tender and maintained that the bidding process was entirely independent of his political affiliation.
Explaining his professional background, Pathan said he had previously operated a gym and paid the applicable taxes. However, he had to shut down the business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I still train people at the gym as a personal trainer," he said.
Gym and Library Awaited Opening for Six Months
The gymnasium and library in Maktampura ward were completed around six to seven months ago. However, their opening remained delayed after the AMC failed to find an agency during the first tender process.
The second tender received a single bid, which cleared the technical evaluation. With the proposal now approved, the two facilities are set to become operational under the five-year management arrangement.
The contract includes an annual payment of ₹6.01 lakh to the AMC and allows a further three-year extension, subject to a review of the initial term.
