Nitin Gadkari, Raj Thackeray share bonhomie at MNS event

NASHIK: MNS chief Raj Thackeray today praised former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari for scripting "tremendous development" in Maharashtra during his stint as PWD minister in erstwhile NDA government.

Gadkari today attended ground-breaking ceremony of the Goda Park project, which is said to be the dream project of Thackeray whose party is helming the Nashik Municipal Corporation, with support of BJP.

Senior Congress leader Vinayakdada Patil performed the 'bhoomi pujan' on the occasion.

Goda Park project is funded by the NMC and Reliance Foundation.

"Gadkari as a minister in NDA rule, carried out tremendous development works that included construction of as many as 55 flyovers in the state. I thank him for attending this function as the chief guest," Raj said during his speech.

Gadkari had served as the PWD Minister in Maharashtra government from 1995 to 1999.

Raj recently criticised Modi for "undermining" achievements of Maharashtra while praising the Gujarat model of development and not mentioning the name of late Sena supremo Bal Thackeray during his speech in Mumbai.

The MNS chief also thanked the Reliance Foundation for providing financial assistance for the project.

The 13.5 km long project will be developed from Ahilyadevi bridge to Gangapurgaon, having facility of laser shows, musical fountains, rope-way, multi-purpose meeting hall, garden, place for exercise including yoga, water sports and plantation of herbal plants and a canteen.

In his speech, Gadkari praised the concept behind the upcoming project, saying, "Such projects should be constructed in many parts of the state, as they have the potential to generate jobs for the youths".

In a dig at Congress-led UPA government in the state, the former BJP chief said such projects did not come up due to wrong policies, improper planning and lack of funds.