The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has now demanded that the BJP be billed for PM Narendra Modi’s event at BKC on January 19, saying the event was more like a BJP programme than a government one. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant claimed protocols were not followed for the event. This comes after claims and counterclaims between the two parties over the city projects inaugurated by the PM. The BJP has, however, dismissed the allegation. 

Sawant said, “No protocol was followed in the programme held last week in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That programme looked like a BJP event with MLC Chandrashekhar Bawankule [who is the BJP Maharashtra chief] on the dais. It felt like the event was used for party propaganda, so the expenses should be recovered from the BJP.” He also claimed that though all other MPs from the city were invited to the event, the protocol was not followed while inviting him—the only MP from Sena (UBT).