Mumbai civic body elections: Politicos make way to project launches, woo vote banks

CM Uddhav Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar at the launch of the BDD chawl redevelopment project on Sunday. Pic/Shadab Khan

With the civic elections approaching, the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP and Samajwadi Party did not miss the opportunity to make an appearance and woo their vote bank as the flyover connecting Ghatkopar and Mankhurd on the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Road was inaugurated.

Along with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the two local MPs - Manoj Kotak and Rahul Shewale, MLA Nawab Malik, and Samajwadi Party group leader and Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh were present at the event on Sunday.

Thackeray was also present for the foundation-laying ceremony of the Worli BDD chawl redevelopment project to be taken up by MHADA. This event also saw NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress MLA Balasaheb Thorat.

Ahead of civic polls, political parties have been going around the city boasting about their achievements - especially the Shiv Sena. The ruling party does not miss a chance to talk about its beloved Coastal Road project and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray has been paying special attention to the project. However, the presence of BJP MP Manoj Kotak at the flyover's inauguration turned many eyeballs. While the CM was the only one to give a speech, being present was what the politicians desired.

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"The flyover constructed at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Marg (Ghatkopar-Mankhurd junction) will save unnecessary travel time and relieve traffic congestion. So this project is useful and in the public interest. As a Mumbaikar, I am always proud of the role of BMC in setting up projects in the public's interest," Thackeray said. The CM said that the BMC will get support and cooperation from the state government. Speaking on creating better housing projects for settlements around the flyover, the CM said that local representatives should take the initiative.

To ensure that their Marathi vote bank remains in the Worli constituency, the CM and Aaditya asked people to stay in the new buildings and not to sell off the flats. "Even if you go to the tower tomorrow, don't leave your culture. You have lived here all your life, this is your own home, so don't be tempted and don't let the Marathi palanquins be pushed," Thackeray said.

Pawar said, "The unity of Maharashtra is seen here. Apart from houses, other facilities should also be provided. Buildings will be erected in place of chawls but don't let the hardworking man go from here."

The new flyover

The Ghatkopar-Mankhurd junction is the main road connecting the Sion-Panvel Highway and Eastern Express Highway. Motorists using the Eastern Express Highway, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road and the Eastern Freeway always experience traffic jams on the road. The nearly 3-km flyover has been constructed by BMC. It has a width of 24.2 metres.