Manoj Tiwari, AAP workers get into tussle
Leader protests against no invite for Signature Bridge inauguration despite being MP from area.
New Delhi: High drama prevailed on Sunday at the inauguration of Signature Bridge when Delhi BJP president and MP Manoj Tiwari and his supporters entered into a scuffle with AAP supporters and the Delhi police.
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the incident as “unprecedented.”
BJP supporters staged a protest for not being invited to the inaugural event of the newly built city landmark. Mr Tiwari and his supporters went to the venue of the inaugural function uninvited. Mr Kejriwal and his deputy were not present when the protest took place.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Kejriwal tweeted, “Unprecedented. Chaos by BJP at Signature Bridge inauguration site. It’s a Del govt prog. Police mute spectator. Can LG, being head of Del police, ensure peace and order at Signature Bridge inauguration site? (sic)”
BJP, however, said that AAP leader Amanatullah Khan used abusive langu-age and pushed Mr Tiw-ari. The latter had expre-ssed displeasure over not being invited to the inaugural function and took a dig at the Kejriwal government, saying he will be present at the bridge to welcome the CM, who was scheduled to inaugurate the bridge on Sunday.
The bridge will be thrown open to the public on Monday.
Speaking to the media, Mr Tiwari said, “In my constituency (Northeast Delhi), I re-started construction of the bridge after it was stalled for many years. Now Arvind Kejriwal is organising an inauguration ceremony. I’m here to welcome him (Arvind Kejriwal). AAP and police have misbehaved with me. I wanted to say that it took 15 years instead of 3 and Rs 1,500 crore instead of Rs 265 crore to build the bridge.”
Reportedly, the Delhi government did not invite Manoj Tiwari and Kapil Mishra to the function.
Meanwhile, joint CP Ravinder Yadav (eastern range) said, “Our staff on duty at the place of function performed their task with utmost restraint and diligence. The main function was held smoothly without any disturbance.”
Though there was slogan shouting, the police segregated the groups and did not allow any clash or violence to take place, he added.