Shiv Sena, BJP bicker over bull sculpture in Mumbai

Shaina NC rubbished the allegations saying that the sculpture was a tribute from Mumbaiites to the city.

The Shiv Sena alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shaina NC’s NGO did not seek the permission of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) before inaugurating a sculpture near Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Monday.

Gauri Khan and BJP leader Shaina NC inaugurate the bull sculpture near Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Monday. (HT)

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and Shaina NC, with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri Khan, inaugurated a sculpture of a bull on the occasion of Maharashtra Day.

The sculpture was designed by artist Paresh Maity and conceptualised by Gauri Khan.

However, Sena leader Arun Dudhwadkar said the NGO ‘I Love Mumbai’ did not seek the requisite permissions from BMC.

“Their action is illegal because they did not seek any permission. The file is still lying unopened with the civic chief,” Dudhwadkar said.

Shaina NC rubbished the allegations saying that the sculpture was a tribute from Mumbaiites to the city.

She said, “Some people cannot see good work and just keep criticising.”

A senior civic official, who was present at the inaugural event, said, “Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta had already given a go-ahead to the sculpture. He also wanted to attend the event but could not as he was on leave in that period. The installation very much abides by the rules.”