Cong,NCP rift in open at Sealink inauguration

The tussle between Congress and ally NCP spilled out into the open at the inauguration of the additional carriageway of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link Wednesday as Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal traded jibes regarding sluggish clearances for crucial infrastructure projects in the city.

“Decisions on projects should be taken quickly,files should be cleared,whatever decision it is,either yes or no,should be taken quickly so projects are completed on time. Slow decisions lead to delays,” Bhujbal said in his speech at the function. He also said the Centre was looking at an investment of $ 5 billion in infrastructure projects in the country by 2018 and for which “faster clearances” will be needed for projects that would come up in the state. Bhujbal said that BWSL had been delayed.

Chavan returned the jibe,though in good humour. “Though BWSL has been delayed,it is a historical bridge. The ceremony was well-organised,especially the dance on the song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. The song not only has message for the nation but for me and Bhujbal also. When my voice and yours meet then projects will get on track,” he said.