SP squirms at BJP's idea to take BMC panel to meet Modi

It seems BJP leaders in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation are smitten with the Gujarat model of development. After last years educational visit to Gujarat by a 26-member improvements committee, the works committee, headed by the BJP, has decided to take 45 members to Gujarat during January 17-21 to show the work done by Narendra Modi. The panel will also meet with Modi. But other political party members, especially the Samajwadi Party, plan to boycott the trip. According to Mangesh Parkar, chairman of the works committee, the Gujarat model of development is the best in the country and, hence, he decided on this location. We are first going to Porbandar, from there to Gandhinagar, then to Ahmedabad and, finally, to Narmada dam. We have requested a meeting with Modiji, and if he gives us time, we will meet him, said Parkar. Asked if he was aware of the opposition to the idea by many corporators who are disgruntled at the proposed visit to Gujarat, he said, We will finalise everything by next week. After that, I will be able to tell you how many corporators are actually coming to visit. I am not aware about any opposition. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party group leader in the BMC house, Rais Shaikh, has informed all party corporators that they shouldnt opt for the tour. We cant be glorifying Narendra Modi on the municipal corporations budget. We have told all our corporators to boycott the visit, said Shaikh. Last year as well, the SP and other parties had opposed the BJP-headed improvement committees visit to Gujarat.