Politicians sponsor public screenings

Politicians cutting across the political spectrum sponsored public screenings of the World Cup final match between India and Sri Lanka across the city in areas such as Shivaji Park and Hanuman Chowk.

Politicians cutting across the political spectrum sponsored public screenings of the World Cup final match between India and Sri Lanka across the city in areas such as Shivaji Park and Hanuman Chowk.

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The police had stopped screening in the city during the India-Pakistan match last Wednesday. However, following a demand by legislators, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan assured them public screenings of the final match would not be stopped.

The state government had also declared a public holiday in the city.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had set up a large screen at Shivaji Park for the convenience of viewers. The screen set up by MNS legislator Nitin Sardesai saw a crowd of more than 1,000.

The Bharatiya Janata Party meanwhile set up screens across the city.

The biggest screen was at Hanuman Road in Vile Parle (East).

The BJP also set up a special television set at its headquarters for party members.

“Our cadre had set up a screening centre for the public at Vile Parle. The aim was to ensure that the event was celebrated publicly,” said BJP spokesperson, Vivekanand Gupta.