Mumbai: BJP should be billed for Modi event, says Arvind Sawant

Arvind Sawant, Sena (UBT) MP

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has now demanded that the BJP be billed for PM Narendra Modi's event at BKC on January 19, saying the event was more like a BJP programme than a government one. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant claimed protocols were not followed for the event. This comes after claims and counterclaims between the two parties over the city projects inaugurated by the PM. The BJP has, however, dismissed the allegation.

Sawant said, "No protocol was followed in the programme held last week in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That programme looked like a BJP event with MLC Chandrashekhar Bawankule [who is the BJP Maharashtra chief] on the dais. It felt like the event was used for party propaganda, so the expenses should be recovered from the BJP." He also claimed that though all other MPs from the city were invited to the event, the protocol was not followed while inviting him - the only MP from Sena (UBT).

PM Narendra Modi (2nd right) talks to CM Eknath Shinde (right) in the presence of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis (left) and Governor B S Koshyari (2nd left), during the event at BKC, on January 19. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The BJP refuted the claims with party spokesperson Bhalchandra Shirsat saying, "The programme was for the various projects of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and MMRDA. All were invited as this was a government event."

Also Read: PM Modi's Mumbai visit: Not even MP written before my name on invitation, says Arvind Sawant

"Those who could not complete old projects or start new ones in the past two and half years, should not object to this event," he said, adding, "This state government will keep its promises."

Earlier, there was a war of words between the Sena UBT and BJP, with the Sena claiming that many of the projects launched by the CM were approved during their tenure in the BMC. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that during his tenure as the chief minister earlier, he had approached the Centre about framing a policy for sewage treatment plants.