Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
Infra push turns civic polls shove
With slew of projects, Modi makes strong pitch for impending ’double engine’ rule, BMC elections
MUMBAI: In the metropolis that has been struggling with endless traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for same party rule from Delhi to Mumbai even as he launched a slew of infrastructure projects.
The announcements included two fully operational metro lines for congested western suburbs, common mobility card for convenience of commuters and a ₹1,813 crore makeover of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
As the crucial Mumbai civic polls are around the corner, Modi paid about three-hour long visit to the city on Thursday, launched infrastructure projects, addressed a rally at Bandra Kurla Complex and took a metro ride from Gundavli station which is part of the newlyinaugurated metro lines.
In his 25-minute speech at the BKC which turned out to be a launch of ruling BSS-BJP alliance’s civic polls campaign, Modi insisted that the civic body should be ruled by the party that has better coordination with the government in the state and at the centre for the uninterrupted growth and development of Mumbai.
Projects that could have seen faster development of the city were interrupted for political purpose, he said.
“When there is a government dedicated to development, it is equally important that the civic body has rulers dedicated to good governance. Until then, the projects cannot be implemented in the cities. The role of the civic body in the city is very important. There is not a dearth of funds for the development of Mumbai, but it should be ensured that the funds of its share should be utilised in the right direction,” he said.
His attack was aimed at Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, which was in power in Mumbai civic body for about 25 years. Modi slammed Thackeray faction holding it accountable for the situation in Mumbai though he did not name the party. “If the funds are meant for the development of the city, if it is blocked in the bank’s locker if the ruling party has the mindset of putting a spanner in the development works, how can the future of Mumbai be prosperous? “he said.
Modi added that the people of the city should take care to not let this happen again it is necessary to have a (political) system in place with better coordination in Delhi, in Maharashtra, and Mumbai with collective efforts for the development.
PEHLE AAP :
Drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the spirit of ‘Suraj’ and ‘Swaraj’ is strongly evident in the doubleengine government
—
Narendra Modi, PM
But due to betrayal of some people, for two-and-a-half years (the tenure of MVA regime) we did not have a pro-people government in the state. But because of true followers of Balasaheb Thackeray, our government is back now
— Devendra Fadnavis , Deputy CM
Chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief Devendra Fadnavis, after realising that they are falling short to fight against Uddhav Thackeray, had to take help of prime minister Narendra Modi. PM’s Mumbai visit is nothing more than that.
—Vinayak Raut, MP, Shiv Sena (UBT)
BJP has projected the metro line as if it is the project by BJP. The BMC, MMRDA, the state government and centre have equally contributed for Mumbai and no political party can claim credit for the entire show. Despite the pandemic, the MVA contributed for the infra projects without cutting budget.
—Mahesh Tapase, NCP chief spokesperson
If Shiv Sena was not doing development or involved in corruption then why did BJP were ruling BMC (in alliance with Sena) for 25 years.