BEST strike: While Mumbai suffered, CM held a meeting on Ganpati preparations

The meeting was attended by BMC chief Ajoy Mehta, BEST general manager Dr Surendra Kumar Bagde and officials from the traffic department.

Even as commuters in Mumbai were stranded thanks to the strike by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) employees on Monday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was discussing Ganpati preparations in Mantralaya, said sources.

More than 36,000 BEST workers went on strike on Monday, affecting 29 lakh commuters. (HT FILE)

The meeting was attended by BMC chief Ajoy Mehta, BEST general manager Dr Surendra Kumar Bagde and officials from the traffic department.

According to BEST sources, there was no discussion done on the strike or the dire situation of the commuters. The meeting focussed on preparations for the upcoming festival, said a senior BEST official.

Read: Mumbai BEST strike called off after Uddhav Thackeray promises to give salaries on time

Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar had sent a letter requesting an urgent meeting with the CM a day before the strike.

Anil Kokil, BEST committee chairperson had also asked the CM to intervene.

More than 36,000 BEST workers went on strike on Monday, affecting 29 lakh commuters.

The strike was called off only after promises of timely salary payment and merging of BEST budget with BMC by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.