Cutting across party lines, work in public interests: Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Thackeray was speaking via video link during the dedication of several public works undertaken by the Kalyan Dombivli civic body.

The function was also attended by Union MoS and BJP leader Kapil Patil, Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde, Kalyan MP Dr. Srikant Shinde and the local MLAs.

“I can't believe that Prime Minister Narendara Modi and myself had come for the electioneering during your election campaign at Kalyan,“ an elated Thackeray spoke to Patil.

“If both the Centre and state governments work together to fulfill the desire of the society then there is nothing like it. Political differences are bound to be there but when it comes to serving the citizens we are Jana Sevak or public servants,” he asserted.

He said, “Now Patil is at the Centre hence the demands of the government can be put before him and the issues would be solved in the interest of the citizens.”

He also said, “There was no problem in handing over some of the roads to the Centre for development and declaring them as National Highways.”

Recently, MoS Patil had warned that he would set toll booths on fire if the Thane revenue officials attempted to collect toll on the poor roads.

The CM lauded the Kalyan Dombivli civic body for continuing the developmental works "unabated despite the pandemic”.

In a veiled response to the BJP over its demand of reopening temples, the CM said, “Presently, the need of the hour is to open ‘Aarogya Mandir’ (new hospitals) instead of religious temples.”

Anticipating a third wave, he reiterated his anti-crowding stance and once again appealed to all the political parties to avoid public gatherings.

Lastly, Kalyan Dombivli civic chief Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi was felicitated as the civic body had bagged the COVID Innovation Award.