BJP boycotts opening of Mulund centre

The much-awaited inauguration of the Mahakavi Kalidas Natyamandir art theatre in Mulund was held by the Shiv Sena on Tuesday. However, the ceremony was boycotted by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) councillors. The art theatre was inaugurated by Uddhav Thackrey, Sena party President. However, the State Cultural Minister Vinod Tawde also leader of the BJP, skipped the programme. The officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said, “Due to a Cabinet meeting the minister failed to attend.”

Meanwhile, Manoj Kotak, group leader of the BJP slammed the Brihanmumbai Krida and Lalitkala Pratisthan (BKLP) trust for conducting irregularities in the renovation work of the art theatre.

“The work on the auditorium is not qualitative. The sports complex has been especially planned to promote cultural and sports activities in Mulund. But, no such importance has been given while doing refurbishment work. Therefore, the BJP cannot be part of such irregularities and so it has been boycotted,” said Kotak.

Another local BJP corporator Prakash Gangadhar stated that though the letter was given to Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, mayor of Mumbai, to invite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, no such invitation was given. “This is an insult,” he said.

Defending the move, Mayor Mahadeshwar remarked, “All designated people were given invitation. But it seems they are scared of Sena.” Adesh Bandekar, secretary of Sena and managing trustee of BKLP remarked on the various allegations made again him by BJP councillors. “The BKLP trust consists of 16 members of the BMC, which includes the mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee chairman, leader of Opposition, etc. Also, the civic commissioner is part of the board. Before election the deputy mayor was of the BJP. So how can they (BJP) allege irregularities. Also, they were in a hurry for the inauguration of Mahakavi Kalidas Natyamandir art theatre till date,” said Bandekar.

BJP accuses Shiv Sena of irregularities in the renovation work