Mumbai: Days after the vicious campaign in the run-up to the civic elections, the Shiv Sena and BJP have drawn daggers yet again, this time over the ‘selfie point’ at Shivaji Park in Dadar.
Popular with youngsters, the selfie point was closed down by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader and former corporator Sandip Deshpande citing lack of funds. However, both BJP and Sena jumped in with promises to turn it in to a more beautiful location, with the former even getting permission from the civic body within a day.
On Thursday, the BJP’s Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar tweeted saying the selfie point will now be set up in more attractive manner. “We shall meet soon at the selfie point,” he said. By evening, Assistant Commissioner of G-north ward, under which Shivaji Park falls, issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Mr. Shelar, saying the BMC is giving permission for a selfie point on the road outside Shivaji Park. It, however, cited conditions for the permission: the spot will not be owned by the party, the selfie point should not cause traffic snarls, and it would have to be closed if BMC decides to initiate civic work in the area.
Not the end, yet
There was more. By afternoon, the Sena’s newly elected local corporator and former Mayor, Vishakha Raut, had put up boards saying her party will henceforth assume responsibility for the selfie point. “We will soon present selfie points with new designs to the people in this area,” she said.
On Wednesday, Mr. Deshpande had decided to not continue with the selfie point, which was inaugurated by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, citing unavailability of funds. In the 2012 BMC polls, the Sena had swept Dadar, but the Sena retook its traditional bastion this time around. Mr. Deshpande had to sit out the elections as his ward was reserved for women. His wife, who contested the seat, lost to Ms. Raut of the Sena.
The BJP, which had unsuccessfully tried to wrest the seat, claimed it received considerable vote share in the ward. “We are developing our voter base in this area and it is natural for us to ensure our interference in everything that happens,” a BJP leader said.
