MUMBAI: With political pressure building on Maharashtra Government over mismanagement of various issues related to Mumbai city, the state government is seriously considering formation of a separate ministry to handle all subjects related to Mumbai's security and infrastructure.
Opposition parties Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS have targeted the state government after the blasts, alleging that the law and order situation in the state and, especially, in Mumbai has totally collapsed. Shiv Sena and MNS have also taken up the issue of mismanagement of Mumbai's infrastructure. They claim that has lead to a virtual breakdown of transport and communication systems at the time of disaster. All these issues were discussed at an all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan . Many leaders suggested that there should be a separate ministry to handle all issues related to Mumbai.
Speaking to reporters on the issue on Thursday, Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray alleged the state had totally failed to look after the interest of residents of Mumbai. He claimed no lessons were learned out of the 26/11 terror attack and the business community in Mumbai was feeling insecure and helpless because the state could not ensure protection. Thackeray said the fight between coalition partners, Congress and NCP, was demoralising for the police and the organisations set up to handle the infrastructure projects in the city.
Raj Thackeray's MNS was most vocal about the demand of a separate ministry for Mumbai. MNS's group leader in Maharashtra Assembly , Bala Nandgaonkar, said Mumbai has suffered immensely because of the apathy of the political parties in power. Not just security but roads, mass transport and communication sectors in Mumbai needed urgent revamp, he said. Nandgaonkar demanded that a separate ministry for Mumbai should be established. The chief minister said he would consider this suggestion seriously.
Congress sources said the CM has taken a note of this suggestion. This has prompted a discussion within the party to find out what else can be done to improve the perception about state government's efforts to manage the issues related to Mumbai. This is being given importance keeping in view the municipal polls in the city that are just 8 months away.
Speaking to reporters on the issue on Thursday, Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray alleged the state had totally failed to look after the interest of residents of Mumbai. He claimed no lessons were learned out of the 26/11 terror attack and the business community in Mumbai was feeling insecure and helpless because the state could not ensure protection. Thackeray said the fight between coalition partners, Congress and NCP, was demoralising for the police and the organisations set up to handle the infrastructure projects in the city.
Raj Thackeray's MNS was most vocal about the demand of a separate ministry for Mumbai. MNS's group leader in Maharashtra Assembly , Bala Nandgaonkar, said Mumbai has suffered immensely because of the apathy of the political parties in power. Not just security but roads, mass transport and communication sectors in Mumbai needed urgent revamp, he said. Nandgaonkar demanded that a separate ministry for Mumbai should be established. The chief minister said he would consider this suggestion seriously.
Congress sources said the CM has taken a note of this suggestion. This has prompted a discussion within the party to find out what else can be done to improve the perception about state government's efforts to manage the issues related to Mumbai. This is being given importance keeping in view the municipal polls in the city that are just 8 months away.
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