Coastal Road: Uddhav Performs Ground-breaking; BJP Boycotts

Mumbai, Dec 16 (PTI) No BJP leader or minister attended the `bhumi-pujan' or ground-breaking ceremony performed by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for the Rs 12,000-crore coastal road project in Mumbai Sunday.

A BJP leader claimed that there was no invitation to even Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the function organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

The Sena rules in the city civic body.

"As even the CM was not invited, Mumbai BJP leaders decided not to attend the function," the leader said.

Speaking on the occasion, Thackeray said, "This project is a dream of every Mumbai resident. I thank the state and central governments for issuing all necessary permissions for the project."

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar had earlier claimed that his party should get the credit for the ambitious project as it was the state BJP leadership which followed it up.

The 35.6-km coastal road will not have any traffic signal along the entire stretch. It is expected to ease traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway.

Meanwhile, while his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray performed bhumi-pujan, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray met fishermen in Worli area who are opposing the project for fear of displacement and loss of livelihood. PTI

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