BJP foils Shiv Sena's move for rooftop restaurants in Mumbai

In an indication of growing rift with Shiv Sena, the BJP has shot down the ruling partner's move to allow rooftop restaurants in the city.

At a meeting of improvements committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) here yesterday, the BJP voted against the new rooftop restaurants policy proposed by the Shiv Sena.

Members of BJP along with those of Opposition opposed the policy to allow restaurants to serve food and liquor and host parties on their terraces. The policy was rejected by the committee after finding support only from the Shiv Sena and Samajwadi Party members.

The BJP, which is part of the ruling alliance in BMC and also the state ministry, had earlier deferred the proposal twice, saying the concept was against 'Mumbai's culture'.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria had recently given go-ahead to a proposal that would allow bars, pubs and discos in the city's non-residential areas to remain open all night.

That proposal, like the rooftop restaurants proposal, was pushed by Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, who had said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had given his nod for the Mumbai nightlife plan.