Sena-BJP squabble over hoisting party flags on Maharashtra Day

The celebrations to mark the 56th Maharashtra Foundation Day turned into a political tug-of-war between ruling partners Shiv Sena and BJP ahead of the MCGM elections slated next year, with workers of both the parties hoisting their respective flags near ‘Hutatma Smarak’ here.

The memorial, located in south Mumbai, was built in memory of the 105 martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of ‘sanyukta’ (unified) Maharashtra.

The BJP workers needled the Sena cadres by hoisting the party flags at a square overlooking the Shiv Sena Bhavan at Dadar in Central Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar launched party’s election campaign for the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) polls.

BJP cadres took out processions at various places to mark the occasion.

However, Shelar said he would not indulge in politicising the Maharashtra Day.

“Development should be the only answer to those who are trying to bifurcate the state. The BJP is in power over a unified Maharashtra and Devendra Fadnavis is the Chief Minister of a unified Maharashtra. Hence those who have been rejected by a unified Maharashtra are indulging in politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray criticised BJP and Shiv Sena for showing “apathy” towards paying homage to the martyrs at the memorial.