Maharashtra government can’t bypass Mumbai civic body for projects, says Uddhav Thackeray

MNS chief Raj Thackeray demanded dedicated WhatsApp numbers which citizens can use to send photographs of illegal hawkers

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the state government cannot bypass the Brihanmumbai Muni-cipal Corporation (BMC) for crucial infrastructure projects.

His remarks came a day after the Shiv Sena-controlled BMC held back a proposal that would give special powers to the state government to bypass the civic body for Metro projects.

Thackeray, who inspected the Metro-3 construction at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, said, “The state government and the BMC will have to work together to develop the city.”

He opposed the proposal of the urban development department headed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to dilute BMC’s powers. “The UD department’s proposal to give special status to Metro projects was submitted in the corporation only for information. Regardless whether it is cleared or not, the special status for Metro will remain,” Thackeray added.

Disapproving of the ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, Thackeray said, “Throw away the panchang (almanac); don’t celebrate festivals — now such orders will be passed. Anyway festivals have lost their sheen.”

State environment minister and senior Sena leader Ramdas Kadam had earlier said that the Maharashtra government would explore the possibility of such a ban in the state.

In a U-turn, he later said there was no such plan.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sen chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday demanded dedicated WhatsApp numbers which citizens can use to send photographs to the BMC against unauthorised hawkers.

Last week, he held a massive rally against the railways and issued an ultimatum to remove illegal hawkers from stations.

Thackeray met civic chief Ajoy Mehta to press for the demand. “There are apprehensions that these hawkers may return. I have suggested that BMC launch four WhatsApp numbers,” said Thackeray.