Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: City candidates clash at billboard crash site

Sena (UBT) candidate Sanjay Dina Patil (left) and BJP candidate Mihir Kotecha engage in a heated exchange at the Ghatkopar site on Tuesday

In a public display of disagreement, Mumbai North East constituency's key candidates, Sanjay Dina Patil and Mihir Kotecha, confronted each other at the site of the billboard collapse in Ghatkopar on Monday. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to many, saw Shiv Sena (UBT) MVA candidate Sanjay Dina Patil loudly shouting at BJP MahaYuti candidate Mihir Kotecha, to stop him from entering the barricaded site. As the candidates and their supporters gathered, blocking the path and showcasing their differences, rescue operation teams began making announcements, urging everyone to clear the way for rescue vehicles and not obstruct the road.

"Why do you need to go inside? The people who are working are already there. Why do you insist on entering? I have been silently working here, providing whatever material is needed in emergencies to the rescue teams, while you walk in with your camera crews to record and promote your visit to the site," Patil shouted, denouncing it as unnecessary grandstanding. Kotecha himself remained silent in the clip, with his supporters arguing against Patil's accusations. Eventually, they walked away quietly amidst announcements by authorities to maintain peace and allow them to work.

While the Maha Vikas Aghadi has nominated former Member of Parliament Sanjay Dina Patil, sitting MLA Mihir Kotecha is the BJP candidate for the North East Mumbai parliamentary constituency, which comprises six Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) segments, including Mulund, Vikhroli, Bhandup West, Ghatkopar West, Ghatkopar East, and Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.