This Article is From Aug 22, 2014

Pune Metro Latest Friction Point Between Prithviraj Chavan, Centre

Pune Metro Latest Friction Point Between Prithviraj Chavan, Centre
Mumbai: After the booing, the Pune Metro seems to be the latest friction point between Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and the Centre.

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu hit out at the Maharashtra CM for his comments on the Centre delaying the Pune Metro Rail project. Mr. Naidu told reporters, "CM's comments are unfortunate. There is no politics. Both Pune and Nagpur are in Maharashtra and in both places the MPs are from BJP. I don't understand where the politics is."

Speaking to reporters in Pune on Wednesday, Mr Chavan had said, "The Central government has given its approval for the Nagpur Metro Rail project. But it did not take any decision on the Pune Metro project. I appeal to the Centre to approve the Pune Metro Rail project immediately instead of playing politics on the issue."

Mr Chavan had skipped the Nagpur Metro inauguration yesterday which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his senior Cabinet colleague Nitin Gadkari, who is also the Nagpur MP. This, after he was booed by BJP supporters at an event in Solapur in the presence of the PM.

Criticising the Chief Minister's decision, Mr Naidu said, "What can the government do if people do it? Should we take action? It is unfortunate that it happened and it should not happen. But it is wrong to boycott the PM's event for this. But I don't blame the Chief Ministers for this. The order came from Delhi."

What is further likely to worsen the already cold vibes between the BJP and the Congress is the indication that one of the pet projects of the UPA government, the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) may not be continued by the Modi-led NDA government. Mr. Naidu told reporters, "JNURM has come to an end on its own. We are not ending JNURM. The new government has its own priorities."

With elections due in Maharashtra in the next few months, Mr Naidu upped the ante by accusing the Congress of stalling the Modi government's development agenda. He said, "Hurdles are being created by the Opposition. If you want speedy development then give us majority in Rajya Sabha. For that give the states to the BJP and elect the BJP to power in the states headed to polls."
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