Uddhav targets Raj Thackeray over Peddar Road flyover issue

Mumbai: Peddar Road flyover issue is fast emerging as a fresh flash point between the MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, with the latter accusing the former of indulging into politics of convenience.

Launching a veiled attack on his political bete noire and Maharashtra Navnirmann Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav today said, "all citizens are equal before the law. However, some people demanded extra FSI for (Sachin) Tendulkar's bungalow even though it did not fit into government's rules."

Raj had yesterday warned Maharashtra government that his party won't allow any flyover to be built if a similar bridge planned at Peddar Road 16 years ago is scrapped owing to opposition from "a few influential residents", including Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

"The state government will decide whether to go ahead with the flyover or not. However, the political mud-slinging on Maharashtra's icons in connection with the flyover issue must stop," Uddhav said without naming Raj.

Such people are now targetting icons like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale over the issue which is surprising, he added.

The flyover issue came to the forefront following recent statements attributed to Jayant Patil, senior NCP leader and guardian minister for Mumbai, suggesting that the government has planned to scrap the Peddar Road flyover.