From Tainted Plumber to Drainage Committee Chief: BJP Corporator to Head Surat Civic Panel

A striking political turnaround has emerged in the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), where a former licensed plumber who once faced civic action over alleged rule violations has now been appointed chairman of the influential Drainage Committee.

BJP corporator Ravindra Khairnar, who surrendered his municipal plumbing licence after winning the civic elections, has been entrusted with leading the committee responsible for the city's underground drainage network, sewerage projects, stormwater management and multi-crore infrastructure works. He is scheduled to officially assume charge on July 7.

Past Notice, Present Chairmanship

Khairnar's appointment has triggered discussion within political and administrative circles due to his past run-ins with the civic body.

According to sources, while operating as a licensed plumber, Khairnar was served a show-cause notice by the Surat Municipal Corporation after allegedly carrying out a water connection by digging a road on a public holiday without obtaining prior approval.

The civic body had reportedly warned of action, including cancellation of his plumbing licence.

Power Equations Shift

Years later, the same civic administration that initiated disciplinary proceedings against him will now function under his leadership in the Drainage Committee.

Officials who were once responsible for issuing notices and enforcing municipal regulations against Khairnar will now be required to report to him in his capacity as committee chairman and implement policy decisions under his leadership.