BJP's Ganesh Naik to address Thane's waste management issue during janta darbar

THANE: At a time when the Shiv Sena is grappling with criticism from opposition parties locally for failing to resolve the mounting garbage issue in Thane, the BJP seems to have skydived into the situation with cabinet minister Ganesh Naik assuring to look into the problem during his janta darbar scheduled next week.
It may be recalled that Naik conducted his first darbar—a public meeting held to listen and address grievances—and promised to conduct the second session this month.
“The waste management problem is faced by almost all corporations in the metropolitan region except Navi Mumbai, where he said the focus on such civic issues was done at the planning stages itself. I am the sampark mantra for Thane. The city (and district) is ours, and so are the citizens. We will definitely work towards addressing the garbage management problems faced by residents,” he said while responding to media queries on the issue.
Meanwhile, the entry of Naik into the issue has left observers questioning if the BJP is apparently keen to optimise the situation to leave its ally in a tight spot and reclaim its dominance over the region in the coming civic polls.
“The nature of life is all about change. I was the guardian minister of Thane for three terms and got a break for two terms, and now I am the guardian minister of Palghar. No one can say what can happen tomorrow,” he said in his trademark cryptic manner, nonetheless dismissing any apparent clashes with the Sena when questioned about the Sena holding Jan Samwad series apparently to counter his darbar.
“We (BJP, Sena, and NCP) are working together for the welfare of the state. There is no competition to hold public meets. It is, in fact, encouraging that our leaders are reaching out to people and resolving their issues,” he said.