While residents expect the Shiv Sena to revive the toll-free number, opposition parties in the BMC are quick to point out that the move was intended solely for political mileage during the Parliamentary polls.
The Shiv Sena’s bid to turn a corporate leaf in their political portfolio by launching a toll-free helpline number (1800222772) in the run-up to the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, has invited fresh ridicule from the opposition Congress and city’s voters alike, even as the Sena insists it’s been successful in addressing public grievances through various other measures. 1800222772, which was aimed at addressing public grievances across the state, apparently went dead only six months after the LS polls.
A Mahim resident not wishing to be named said he was among those who welcomed the saffron outfit’s unique gesture, which was meant to pursue civic issues through its legion of elected members, zonal heads, shakha pramukh, etc. “Though initially the Shiv Sena did work seriously to settle grievances through the helpline, its sudden unavailability led us to doubt the party’s seriousness,” the resident added.
Stating that the Sena had launched yet another helpline number (2422 2222) at the same time as the toll-free number, the resident said, “If you are given two numbers, one of them toll-free, it’s obvious which one you will dial first.”
While residents expect the Shiv Sena to revive the toll-free number, opposition parties in the BMC are quick to point out that the move was intended solely for political mileage during the Parliamentary polls. “In fact, the recent streak of last-minute inaugurations of civic works is also part of a similar strategy aimed at the upcoming BMC polls,” alleged Congress corporator Sameer Desai, quipping that the helpline became unavailable soon after the Sena lost all the six parliamentary seats to the UPA.
“Maybe, the Sena leaders understood that people won’t be approaching them, but the Congress-NCP alliance with their complaints. So, the service was shut and they would be better off in keeping it so,” Desai said.
Refuting his claims, the Sena said there were other ‘functional’ numbers and means by which people can approach party’s leaders.
“The toll-free number was called off following a poor response. Moreover, nothing is lost as we continue receiving complaints at the many more numbers we have provided for people in every area. Also, people can raise their issues with our local activists. In fact, approaching our zonal head, shakha pramukh or even a functionary in person will ensure that public issues are solved with certainty,” Shiv Sena secretary Anil Desai said.
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