Even before the inauguration of the newly constructed East-West Vidyavihar Bridge in Mumbai, a controversy has started over its name. Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded that the bridge be named after Bollywood actor Nana Patekar.
New Delhi: The political debate has intensified regarding the naming of the newly constructed East-West Bridge in Mumbai's Vidyavihar. Even before the inauguration of the bridge, two different proposals have come forward regarding its name. Shiv Sena (UBT) is demanding to name the bridge after veteran actor Nana Patekar, while BJP MLA Parag Shah has proposed to name it after Captain Smit Machhar. Now everyone's eyes are on what decision the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) takes in this matter.
Demand to name bridge after Nana Patekar
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has raised a demand to name Vidyavihar East-West Bridge as 'Padmashree Nana Patekar Setu'. The party also put up a banner on the bridge in support of this demand. After this the issue of naming became a topic of discussion in local politics. According to the report, a delegation of Shiv Sena leaders led by Uddhav Thackeray met Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and handed over the letter to her. In this, a request was made to name the bridge after Nana Patekar.
Nana Patekar is a well-known actor of Hindi and Marathi cinema. He is also recognized for his acting and social work. Regarding the demand to name the bridge after him, the party argues that in this way his identity and contribution to the city can be respected.
Why did BJP MLA suggest the name of Captain Smit Mosquito?
On the other hand, BJP MLA Parag Shah has put forward a proposal to the authorities to name this bridge after Captain Smit Mosquito. Captain Mosquito is an Indian commercial pilot who was praised for foiling an alleged attempt to mid-air hijack an Israel-bound flydubai flight.
With the coming forward of this proposal, the debate regarding naming of the bridge became more intense. On one hand, the name of popular actor Nana Patekar has been proposed, while on the other hand, the name of Captain Smit Mosquito, who has a reputation for courage and responsibility in the aviation sector, has been proposed. However, there is no official confirmation on either of the names being finalized in the available information. The final decision has to be taken by the concerned municipal body and as per the prescribed procedure.
Accusation of taking credit on naming
Political rhetoric has also started on this issue. Leader of the House in BMC, Ganesh Khankar accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of creating controversy to take credit for the naming proposal. Khankar praised Nana Patekar's talent and said that he is among the most talented actors of the country. However, according to him, it would be more appropriate to name a big theater or theater complex instead of naming the bridge after the actor.
It is clear from this statement that the controversy is not limited to the choice between two names, but it has also become a matter of debate as to how and on what grounds public places should be named.
Vidyavihar East-West Bridge ready after long wait
The importance of this bridge is also in discussion amid the naming controversy. This bridge, about 650 meters long and with two lanes, has been built to improve connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Vidyavihar Railway Station. It connects Ramchandra Chemburkar Marg on the eastern side towards Ghatkopar with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg on the western side.
According to BMC, about 100 meters of the bridge passes over the railway track. Its approach roads are about 220 meters long on the eastern side and about 330 meters long on the western side. The project also includes reconstruction of the footpaths, ticket booking offices, station master's office and staircases at the station.