Mumbai: 

Name game: Late Dr Nitu Mandke  had operated on Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray

Even though the airport flyover is only partially open to public, political parties have already started debating over its name.

The question of the name cropped up when Alka Mandke, the widow of late Dr Nitu Mandke appealed that the flyover be named after her husband. Her proposal was supported by Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who was once operated upon by Dr Mandke.

However, Congress MLA Kripashankar Singh insists the flyover be named after former PM Rajiv Gandhi, as per an announcement made by CM Vilasrao Deshmukh.

MSRDC Chairman and PWD Minister Anil Deshmukh said, "We are doing the work and other parties want to take credit. We will name the flyover once the work is complete." The flyover is expected to be completed by March 2009.