Sena, BJP call for Navi Mumbai bandh

NMMC opposition parties, students protest against NCP’s decision to reject the Rs8,000- crore smart city project

VASHI: Opposition parties in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the Shiv Sena and BJP have called for a shutdown on December 18 to protest and create awareness on the rejection of the smart city project.

On Tuesday, the ruling NCP in the NMMC general body meeting rejected the Rs8,000- crore project.

The Opposition along with students, nurses and representatives of various sections of the society held a protest at Shivaji Chowk in Vashi on Thursday.

The students held placards alleging corruption and declaring that there will be no smart city if there is no 5% commission. They also questioned why ‘NCP uncle’ had withdrawn support to the project after raising their hopes and getting them to participate in various events and competitions.

NMMC opposition leader Vijay Chougule gave the shutdown call, saying: “Almost 5 l akh people who had given their suggestions for the smart city project have been insulted by the NCP. These included the common man, intellectuals and even celebrities. They took everyone for a ride for the past three to four months and claimed credit.”

“Why did they call a special general body meeting if they were not interested in the project?” he said, adding the bandh will be peaceful.

“It has been called to send a strong message to the ruling party and create awareness on the issue,” said Chougule.

Corporator Ramchandra Gharat, BJP group leader of the NMMC, said the aim in calling for a bandh is not to cause trouble to anyone. “It will expose

the ruling party and convey the people’s sentiments,” he said.

“This is the first time in the country’s history that people’s opinion was sought for such a huge project. The people of the city too responded overwhelmingly. While just over 3 lakh people had voted in the two

constituencies of the city in the last assembly election, almost 5 lakh sent in their suggestions. This showed the interest, hope and commitment of the people. The proposal has been rejected only because the ruling party wants the keys of the project,” said Gharat.

STUDENTS QUESTIONED WHY NCP WITHDREW SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT AFTER RAISING CITIZENS’ HOPES

BACHCHAN KUMAR Residents and school students joined Shiv Sena and BJP in their protest against NCP’s rejection of the smart city project, on Thursday at Shivaji Chowk, Vashi.