Political Shield for Tainted Bureaucrat in Maharashtra
• Rokade’s MMRDA Exit Sparks Questions Over MSRDC Role
• Inside the ‘Geo’ Nexus: Sprouts News Investigation
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Controversial and allegedly corrupt officer Padmakar Rokade has been transferred from MMRDA following serious allegations of corruption and insubordination. Despite defying directives from top Maharashtra leaders, he is now lobbying for a key post in MSRDC with backing from a ruling party MLA. Sprouts News investigations reveal his questionable conduct and political patronage.
Controversial MMRDA Officer Padmakar Rokade Transferred Amid Allegations, Eyes Key MSRDC Post
In a significant development, Padmakar Rokade, the Additional District Collector known for his controversial conduct, has been transferred from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Despite multiple complaints and departmental concerns, Rokade allegedly continues to seek a high-ranking post in the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). According to Sprouts News, efforts are underway—reportedly backed by a powerful ruling party MLA—to secure him a prominent posting.
Contents
Political Shield for Tainted Bureaucrat in Maharashtra• Rokade’s MMRDA Exit Sparks Questions Over MSRDC Role• Inside the ‘Geo’ Nexus: Sprouts News InvestigationControversial MMRDA Officer Padmakar Rokade Transferred Amid Allegations, Eyes Key MSRDC PostMMRDA Officer’s Misconduct Sparks Scrutiny Over Land Acquisition IrregularitiesPolitical Patronage Fuels Rokade’s Attempted Reentry via MSRDCAlso Read: Colombo University Name Misused in Fake Degrees Racket.Workplace Backlash and Staff Isolation Mark Rokade’s ExitSprouts News Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Sources within MMRDA and Mantralaya indicate that Rokade consistently disregarded directives issued by both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, especially in matters related to land acquisition and rehabilitation under Metro Lines 8, 9, and 10. Internal communications and complaints escalated to the Commissioner’s office, but no immediate disciplinary action followed until now.
MMRDA Officer’s Misconduct Sparks Scrutiny Over Land Acquisition Irregularities
Sprouts News learned that Rokade’s working style drew criticism for prioritizing personal and political interests over public policy. Despite being tasked with critical roles—including handling the Social Development Cell and the High-Level Grievance Redressal Committee—he often delayed files and was accused of resolving matters exclusively for preferred contractors and agents.
Employees reported that Rokade frequently held meetings at the “Jio Center” rather than in the MMRDA office. As per internal sources, he invited select stakeholders for private discussions, gaining him the nickname “Jio Rokade.” These allegations intensified after repeated delays and biased rehabilitation decisions involving high-profile infrastructure zones such as Andheri, Kalwa, Mumbra, Bandra, and Borivali.
In recent months, several complaints were submitted regarding his manipulation of land acquisition processes for personal gain. Some former and current MMRDA officials demand a formal inquiry into these alleged scams, particularly during his one-year tenure overseeing rehabilitation-related responsibilities.
Political Patronage Fuels Rokade’s Attempted Reentry via MSRDC
Despite his controversial exit from MMRDA, Rokade has reportedly secured backing from a senior MLA belonging to Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. This legislator is said to be lobbying aggressively to have Rokade appointed to a strategic role within MSRDC, which oversees key highway and infrastructure projects across the state.
Sprouts News sources confirm that this MLA has even accompanied Rokade to Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s office, lobbying for a new posting. These backchannel negotiations raise concerns within the administrative services community, as the Shinde-led party continues to face criticism for shielding tainted officers. Stakeholders are closely watching whether Shinde risks further backlash by awarding a “cream posting” to a bureaucrat under scrutiny.
With several Shinde-faction ministers already embroiled in controversies, elevating an officer with an active cloud of corruption allegations could damage the government’s public perception and administrative integrity.
Also Read: Colombo University Name Misused in Fake Degrees Racket.
Workplace Backlash and Staff Isolation Mark Rokade’s Exit
Rokade’s departure from MMRDA was anything but graceful. According to staff members, most officials and junior employees avoided his farewell event, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. His authoritarian behavior toward colleagues contrasted starkly with the preferential treatment he allegedly offered to politically connected agents and contractors.
Officers like Santosh Wadekar and Pankaj Sonawane, reportedly close to Rokade, were often consulted in key decisions, bypassing official channels. The result was a highly polarized work environment where merit-based decisions were allegedly sidelined in favor of vested interests.
Repeated attempts by media houses to contact Padmakar Rokade for his statement were unsuccessful. He declined to comment or respond to phone calls, text messages, and email inquiries.
Sprouts News Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Sprouts News emphasizes the urgent need for transparent appointments and strict vetting of officials handling high-stakes infrastructure and urban development projects. With MSRDC playing a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s road network and urban planning, appointing individuals under a cloud of suspicion sends a poor message to both the bureaucracy and public.
Public accountability must remain the cornerstone of governance. As the Sprouts News investigation shows, the unchecked promotion of individuals like Rokade raises red flags about institutional integrity and political interference
पदमाकर रोकडे (भ्रष्ट अपर जिल्हाधिकारी) यांची इतर प्राधिकरणात बदली करण्याऐवजी योग्य कार्यवाही करुन तुरुंगात टाकले पाहिजे….
पदमाकर रोकडे (भ्रष्ट अपर जिल्हाधिकारी) यांची बदली करण्याऐवजी योग्य कार्यवाही करुन तुरुंगात टाकले पाहिजे