BJP trying to hog credit: MLC heading Shivaji memorial panel

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone for the memorial of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj off city coast, the man heading the BJP government-appointed panel to oversee the memorial construction has accused the ruling party of trying to "hog the credit" for the project.
"BJP is seeking to hog the credit for the memorial. Whatever is going on is not good," BJP ally and chief of Shivsmarak Samiti, Vinayak Mete, said here today.
Speaking to media after a programme at Chembur to welcome various 'kalash' (pitcher) carrying water and soil from all districts of Maharashtra, Mete linked the kalash procession to BJP's electoral politics, ahead of the crucial BMC polls slated early next year.

"This programme is being organised not for the honour of Shivaji Maharaj but to implement the agenda of 'shat pratishat BJP' (100 per cent BJP)," Mete said.
"Instead of the atmosphere looking Shivmay (full of Shivaji's aura), it looks BJPmay (full of BJP)," he said.
Maharashtra ministers Chandrakant Patil, Vinod Tawde and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve were part of the procession at Chembur. Mete, however, did not stay till the event got over.
Meanwhile, BJP ally Shiv Sena also joined the 'credit race', putting up posters depicting late Bal Thackeray's desire that the Shivaji memorial be set up.