BJP MP Manoj Tiwari visits Signature Bridge inauguration site, clashes with AAP workers

Claiming credit for re-starting the construction of the bridge, which will ensure seamless travel between north and northeast Delhi, Tiwari said he was not invited despite being the North East Delhi MP.

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BJP Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari has not been invited for the inauguration ceremony. (File)

A tug-of-war between BJP and AAP over credit for the construction of the Signature Bridge escalated on Sunday after BJP Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari, who has not been invited for the inauguration ceremony, reached the event venue and clashed with AAP supporters. The long-delayed Signature Bridge was inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today evening.

Claiming credit for re-starting the construction of the bridge, which will ensure seamless travel between north and northeast Delhi, Tiwari said he was not invited despite being the North East Delhi MP. “The event is being held in my constituency (North East Delhi.). I re-started construction of the bridge after it was stalled for many years and now Arvind Kejriwal is organising an inauguration ceremony,” ANI quoted Tiwari as saying.

#WATCH BJP Delhi Chief Manoj Tiwari, his supporters and AAP supporters enter into a scuffle at the inauguration of the Signature Bridge in Delhi; Police present at the spot pic.twitter.com/NhvqxudDTT

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2018

Following the clash between BJP and AAP workers, Delhi Police officials escorted Tiwari away from the venue. The state BJP chief accused AAP and police of misbehaving with him and wondered why he was surrounded with cops. “I am MP from here. So what’s the problem? Am I a criminal? Why has the police surrounded me? I’m here to welcome him (Arvind Kejriwal). AAP and police have misbehaved with me,” Tiwari further said.

READ | Delhi Signature bridge: All you need to know

Countering the BJP leader’s claims, AAP leader Dilip Pandey said it was, in fact, BJP workers that thrashed AAP volunteers and local people and accused Tiwari of resorting to “hooliganism”.

The Signature Bridge was conceptualised in 2004 and had 2010 as its initial deadline. (Archive)

“Thousands of people have come here to celebrate without an invitation card, but the MP (Manoj Tiwari) considers himself VIP. He is doing hooliganism. BJP people thrashed AAP volunteers and local people. They are admitted to the hospital,” ANI quoted Pandey as saying.

Taking note of the chaos at the Signature Bridge inauguration site, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal asked Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to ensure peace and order. “Unprecedented. Chaos by BJP at Signature Bridge inauguration site. Its a Delhi government program. Police mute spectator. Can LG, being head of Delhi police, ensure peace and order at Signature bridge inauguration site?” Kejriwal tweeted.

AAP’s Okhla MLA, Amanatullah Khan was also seen trying to push Tiwari off a raised platform at the inauguration event. It is unclear whether CM Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia had arrived at the venue at the time.

#WATCH Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan seen pushing Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari during the inauguration of Delhi's Signature Bridge (Source: BJP Delhi Chief Manoj Tiwari's office) pic.twitter.com/Vl2CtDqeBX

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2018

Announced in 2004, the bridge missed several deadlines. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of Rs 1,131 crore for Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010. In 2015, the cost rose to Rs 1,594 crore.

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