Shiv Sena-BJP squabbling has robbed city of growth: NCP Mumbai president

There is no factionalism in the party in Mumbai. Both these leaders have supported each other in the past. There were some differences among local activists that led to the issue that could have been avoided by both the leaders. Both leaders have now agreed to work together in the party’s interest.

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There is a perception that the NCP is not vocal on many civic issues in the BMC. Your comment.

Basically, we are few in numbers in the Mumbai civic body. Still, our corporators continue to raise issues, evident from the Praja Foundation’s report that shows our party’s corporators raised the highest number of questions. We exposed the tablet computer scam. We also raised the issue of the drains de-silting scam in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, which led to an inquiry. We also filed two PILs on Shiv Vada Pav and the incidence of leptospirosis. We have been vocal and do take our issues to logical conclusions.

How do you counter a combine that has been ruling the BMC for almost 20 years?

The people of the city are fed up with the Sena-BJP due to corruption and failure to provide services such as better roads and 24×7 water supply. At our Parivartan rallies, we tell people to see the kind of infrastructure, water, roads, gardens developed in Navi Mumbai. We are ruling in the Navi Mumbai corporation for several years. Similar is the case with Pimpri-Chinchwad, which we have developed. While seeking their support, we are telling people through our rallies about these two cities and the work we have carried out there. So far, we have addressed 36-odd rallies in various areas of city and many more are planned.

Does the Sena-BJP war of words take away space belonging to the Opposition parties?

It is their strategy to occupy the Opposition’s space. It is clearly evident — they are sticking to power together in the state despite the Sena’s several attempts to defame the BJP. In the BMC, the BJP is doing the same. Both parties are ruling Mumbai and have looted the BMC. Just ahead of elections, the bhoomipujan of Shivaji memorial is being carried out. Sena and BJP have failed to carry out development work for the city. They are more involved in allegations and counter-allegations, which has hampered the city’s growth.

Who will be the face of the NCP in the Mumbai civic polls?

All senior leaders, including Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil, Nawab Malik and Majeed Memon, will campaign for the civic elections.