Why does the Shiv Sena politicise local events like inaugurations?

Congress corporator from ward 174-Hindu Colony-Parsi Colony speaks to Priyal Dave.

Nayana Seth

What led to the very public battle against the Shiv Sena?

I have been asking the civic body to inaugurate this garden for a long time now. However, they have been postponing it. On November 28, a function was being held there by the Mayor and I was an invitee. I was upset, it was due to my efforts that the garden was renovated and the Shiv Sena was just trying to steal the show. This is unfair. Residents are also aware that the project was successful due to my efforts. I have a right to get credit for something that I have done. I am the local corporator and it was due to my relentless efforts that funds for the garden renovation were passed. It is a project worth Rs 15 crore. For a project of such a small value, leaders like Uddhav Thackeray should certainly let local corporators get the credit. Local corporators of any party should have a right to inaugurate small projects.

At some point, didn’t you support Dadar station being renamed after the late Bal Thackeray? Why object to his son inaugurating a garden?

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The late Balasaheb Thackeray had a different personality. Whenever he was approached for any inauguration, he would inquire about the scale of the project and if it was a small project like this one, he would ask the local corporator to go ahead with the inauguration. Uddhav should follow his father’s principles and not try and hog limelight from people who have worked hard in their area. I remember that after I organised a bhoomi poojan to start the work last year, Sena’s Rahul Shewale had organised a second bhoomi poojan to undermine my efforts. He just wanted to become the MP and used the event to garner votes. Why does the Shiv Sena politicise such events?

You have asked the BMC to change the rules regarding party leaders inaugurating projects?

I am taking this fight further on behalf of all the 227 corporators, who have a right to inaugurate small scale projects undertaken in their area. I have asked the BMC to look into the rules and undertake changes.

There are complaints that the garden is not well refurbished.

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The BMC is yet to release funds that were asked for. Of the Rs 15 crore sanctioned, only Rs 5 crore have been given. I have asked Uddhav Thackeray to ensure that the remaining funds be provided for further beautification. I have heard that local activists are not happy with the work, but I know that they never appreciate anything. I agree that the BMC garden cell has not done a good job with the playground swings, the quality of the plastic used is poor.

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