Vile Parle Madrasa issue getting political, claims Congress

Even as a matter in connection with the relocation of a madrasa beneath the Milan subway flyover in Vile Parle was admitted before a court on Tuesday, the Congress has alleged the issue of developing a civic facility is gaining political overtones.

While the Congress has claimed its political foes (Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS) have been opposing relocation of the madrasa to gain mileage ahead of the 2014 assembly elections, the rivals refute this allegation.

“The flyover is being constructed to ease traffic and eliminate the 20-year-long water-logging issue at the subway. In view of developing the facility, 160 units (residences/shops) needed to be shifted a few years ago. While the units were shifted smoothly, the MMRDA found a temple and madrasa coming in the way of the construction. While the issue related to the temple was resolved, the madrasa needed to be relocated. The relocation is now being opposed to hamper my prospects during the 2014 assembly polls,” said Congress legislator Krishna Hegde who is pursuing the flyover work.

Meanwhile, alliance leaders denied efforts underway to affect Hegde’s prospects. “We have been fighting the issue for two years now. So there is no question of trying to gain political mileage. We are not opposed to the project but the way it is being carried out,” said local BJP leader Chandrakant Pawar.