Political posters deface Jogeshwari flyover even before inauguration

The hoarding menace in the city seems to have assumed newer, more alarming proportions. On Thursday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated a road over bridge connecting Jogeshwari East and West.

The entire flyover was covered with saffron flags and posters of Thackeray and BJP city president Ashish Shelar. Pic/Sharad Vegda

But, even before the structure was officially thrown open the public, its entire 2.25-kilometre stretch was covered with saffron flags and medium-sized posters of Thackeray and BJP city president Ashish Shelar. The posters read: ‘welcome' and ‘congratulations.'

Soon after the inauguration Thackeray, Shelar and other dignitaries present at the event took a ride and inspected the Hinduhrudaysamrat Bala-saheb Thackeray Bridge, named after the late Sena patriarch.

When questioned about the posters, Shelar said, "I haven't done it. The law should take its own course." Yashodhar Phanse, Sena group leader in the BMC, said, "We did not put up these posters, our supporters did. All parties install such posters before functions.

If our posters are removed, then those belonging to the others must also go. However, as a long-term solution, I think all parties should agree on a code and voluntarily take down banners and posters soon after their respective functions conclude."

Devendra Amberkar, leader of opposition in the BMC, said, "It seems both the parties are trying to hog credit, despite knowing that installing hoardings, posters or banners is illegal. The High Court had issued directives in this regard. The BMC should take action against the posters."

Official speak
Parag Masurkar, assistant commissioner, K/West ward, said, "The hoardings were removed soon after the function." When it was pointed out that a few were still there around 2 pm, he said, "They will be removed by evening."