Shiv Sena, BJP continue to trade charges

Blame game between the Shiv Sena and the BJP continued on Tuesday, when Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said that rather than politicising the issue, the BJP leaders should focus on resolving people's health problems in Deonar, Govandi and surrounding areas and disposal of garbage. In response, BJP leader Manoj Kotak said Thackeray should ask his leaders, rather than preaching others.

Earlier in the day, Thackeray had appealed to the BJP leaders to look into the core issues, rather than blaming and fighting with each other. Both parties share power in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and state.

On Monday, Sena MPs, MLAs and ministers had visited the Deonar dumping ground along with mayor Snehal Amberkar. Environment minister Ramdas Kadam then launched a scathing attack on BJP, demanding an inquiry through a special investigation team (SIT).

Kotak, BJP leader in BMC, said, "Thackeray should restrain his own leaders from making statements, such as connections with contractors and sabotage. Even before the Sena demanded, we had asked for an SIT inquiry. Let the truth come out. Then people will know who was behind the fire."