Development Plan: Stage set for another BJP-Sena tussle

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena and BJP are all set to give their nod to publish the draft development plan (DP) on Friday, after BMC chief Ajoy Mehta presents the proposal

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena and BJP are all set to give their nod to publish the draft development plan (DP) on Friday, after BMC chief Ajoy Mehta presents the proposal to the civic body’s general body. But this may just be the start of a long and intense political process before the city’s DP is finalised.

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With less than 10 months to go before the all-important civic polls next year, both the Sena and the BJP will tread cautiously. While the Sena has expressed its opposition, the BJP, which supports the plan, is testing the waters before it makes its position clear.

All indications from both the Sena and the BJP show that the 60-day period, in which citizens can send their suggestions and objections, may see intense bickering between the two.

Insiders in the Sena said the party was gearing up to oppose the plan publicly.

“We are going to make sure t hat people know j ust how bitterly we are opposed to the plan’s provisions, especially t he contentious ones l i ke opening up No-Development Zones and construction in eco-sensitive zones. We want to push the BJP to come out and support these publicly and stand exposed,” said a senior Sena leader, not wishing to be named.

“We will not stay quiet. In fact, we have asked the BMC chief t o ensure t hat more people see the plan and comment on it. We want people to express their opposition and we will push this further in the BMC and outside,” said a senior Sena leader.