Sealink named after Rajiv, Sena-BJP wants Savarkar's name

Barely hours after the Bandra-Worli sealink was named 'Rajiv Gandhi Setu', the move drew criticism from Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, which favoured it being named after Swatantrayaveer Savarkar.

Barely hours after the Bandra-Worli sealink was named 'Rajiv Gandhi Setu', the move drew criticism from Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, which favoured it being named after Swatantrayaveer Savarkar.

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"At the foundation stone ceremony of the sealink by Sena chief Bal Thackeray, it was announced that the bridge would be named after Savarkar," state BJP president Nitin Gadkari said.

"The Congress-NCP government has forgotten Savarkar," he added.

"The sealink was scheduled to be completed at a cost of Rs 420 crore when I was the PWD minister. It finally cost Rs 1,680 crore due to this government's ineptitude," Gadkari said.

BJP state general secretary Madhu Chavan said 'it is unfortunate that NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who was also born in Maharashtra like Savarkar, should propose Rajiv Gandhi's name for the sealink.'

"The sealink should be named Rajiv Gandhi Setu," Pawar said, after the bridge was inaugurated by Congress president Sonia Gandhi today.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan immediately announced that Pawar's proposal was accepted.