As the elections draw near, the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP combine in the BMC is frantically trying to launch new projects to clean up its reputation. Six projects were announced between February 14 and 19, and 10 inaugurated.

Among the latter is the ambitious Middle Vaitarana dam project which was put off twice as urban development minister Jaipal Reddy was busy in Delhi.

Civic standing committee chairman Ravindra Waikar said: “Most of the projects were completed and others had to be started before the announcement of the election code of conduct, otherwise they would get delayed.”

Congress corporator Rajendra Chaube said, “The rush is just to score brownie points.”