Aditya trying to ‘steal’ credit: Ashish Shelar

Public standoff on Twitter over issue of securing approvals for development works.

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar on Tuesday accused Yuva Sena leader Aditya Thackeray of trying to steal credit for work done by the BJP leader. What was more interesting was that the BJP leader used his Twitter handle, making his accusations against Mr Thackeray public. The Thackeray scion on the micro-blogging site claimed that he has urged minister Eknath Shinde to undertake development works such as a football ground, open garden and promenade in Bandra through the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). However, Mr Shelar claimed he had been following these proposals for years and had gotten all the required approvals. Mr Thackeray hit back saying the two projects, the one pushed by him and the other one Mr Shelar was talking about, were completely different.

It all started with Mr Thackeray posting about his meeting with Mr Shinde and the proposal to develop an open space at Bandra reclamation on MSRDC’s 22-acre plot on Twitter. “The plot is on the other side of road, not near the bay, and can be made and maintained by MSRDC as a playground and open space for everyone,” he wrote. Mr Thackeray posted another tweet elaborating on his proposal. He said, “The playground would have a natural walking path, lined with trees and open space for kids to play whichever sport they want to.” He added, “Within the plot, I have requested that a smaller zone be made into a pet park, children’s play area and flower garden, called ‘Bandra Ground’.”

However, Mr Thackeray’s announcements did not go down well with Mr Shelar who is also the local MLA of Bandra (west). Claiming that Shiv Sena is trying to claim credit for the work done by him, Mr Shelar posted series of tweets.

“My appeal to Aditya Thackeray, Give credit where (it is) due. It does not cost a thing. I feel what is going on from your fellows is ‘credit corruption’,” Mr Shelar said. He also said he was aware of political parties wanting to steal credit from others, but suggested it should not happen between the BJP and Shiv Sena, who are allies. “This culture of putting your flag, taking post and blatantly stealing credit has brought our state down. We don’t need to inherit this please,” he said.

After a few more tweets by Mr Shelar, Mr Thackeray wrote Mr Shelar’s comments were a result of his misunderstanding of the issue.