The Shiv Sena (UBT) is blaming the BJP for two things — the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, and for Parliament Secretariat directing Members of Parliament not to use certain slogans like ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. Expressing concern over Mumbai’s poor Air Quality Index (AQI) and how dangerous it is becoming for city residents, UBT Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray on Friday told the media that, to some extent, the cutting of trees in Aarey Milk Colony has added to this problem.
Stating that he, when the chief minister, had suggested Kanjurmarg for the Metro Car Shed to save trees, Uddhav said, “I was not against the Metro or development. My intention was to save the trees and greenery of Mumbai. But the BJP government went ahead with uprooting trees in Aarey. Now, they are planning a tunnel beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This is being done to benefit contractors.”
Recently, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation issued stop-work notices to 53 construction sites as air pollution levels deteriorated in the city. The particulate matter levels are alarmingly high. In fact, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Milind Deora, posted on social media that Mumbai’s pollution is no longer a seasonal issue; it has become a public health emergency. Taking a dig at the BJP’s plan to uproot trees in Nashik for Kumbh, Thackeray said, “Instead of cutting trees in Tapovan, alternate locations can be searched for setting up the Sadhugram. But the current government wants to benefit contractors, as after Kumbh, the place will be used for conferences and other purposes. I do not understand the reason why the government is rigid on decreasing green cover in cities under the guise of development.”
The Sena (UBT) leader lashed out at the BJP-led central government for the parliament secretariat directing Members of Parliament not to use certain slogans like ‘Jai Hind’, ‘Vande Mataram’ or ‘thank you’. He dared the BJP to take action against Shiv Sena UBT MPs’ chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ in the parliament. “I have asked all UBT Sena MPs to use Vande Mataram. Let me see who takes action against members belonging to my party,” Uddhav said while questioning whether the BJP leaders, who claim to be champions of Hindutva, would show the courage to send the person behind this order to Pakistan.
‘Too much spending’
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticised the ruling party for spending huge amounts of money on local elections. Uddhav Thackeray claimed that ruling parties are using financial power to influence local polls. “The allegations are made by its own alliance partner. Still, no action has been taken. What can one expect when those responsible for taking action against erring people have become silent spectators,” the Sena (UBT) chief said.
