Shiv Sena allows full nightlife in Mumbai, Opposition furious

The Shiv Sena on Saturday passed a notice of motion to allow the city a full nightlife. However, opposition parties have criticised the move raising concern over the safety of citizens and sanctity of the residential areas.

The Opposition criticised the haste shown by the mayor in passing such an important motion without debate.

Senior Congress leader in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Asif Zakaria said, “We could have discussed the issue at length. What was the need to pass such an important notice of motion on a day when the priority was of discussing the Dockyard Road building mishap?” He added that the BMC as an administration has not given its opinion as yet.

Zakaria said that while the argument of giving the youth more chance to unwind and enjoy is fine, authorities must understand that most of the popular eateries and pubs are located in residential areas, which will bring along unwanted problems of traffic, parking,  fights after drinking, honking and rash driving. All these can lead to law and order situations, he added.

“How will BMC address these issues? Such nightlife has to be in designated commercial zones.”

MNS leader Dilip Mama Lande asked about women’s security. “I agree Sena tried to take a progressive decision for the city, but what about the police force? Are the city police well equipped for such a change? Times are such that parents live under the fear if their schoolgoing daughter/s will return home safely.

How will the police control people at night who are just out for fun? If such a decision is taken, the BMC, state government and the police should give written assurance of women’s safety first,” Lande said.

“Also, permission for 24x7 operation should be given to eateries near airport, bus stations and railway stations, where such places are needed. We accept changing times and its requirements but what about our culture and values?” argued Lande.

Samajwadi Party leader Rais Shaikh said he would welcome the decision but only for attracting tourists in designated commercial zones. It can prove disastrous if implemented in residential zones, he added.