Legislator seeks removal of illegal shops around Siddhivinayak temple

Mumbai: Expressing concerns over the rising number of illegal shops on the premises of the famous Siddhivinayak temple in central Mumbai, Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare today directed the city civic body and police to remove these structures.Directing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police to remove the illegal shops, Davkhare also asked the state government to make a statement on its action on the issue before the budget session of the State Legislature concludes on Friday.[caption id="attachment_278928" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="The famous Siddhivinayak temple in central Mumbai. Reuters"][/caption]"The illegal shops on the premises of Siddhivinayak temple are increasing on a large scale. The shopkeepers also force the devotees to buy their articles on sale. The BMC and police should remove the illegal shops which are built there," Davkhare said.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and police should take action within four days, he added. NCP legislator Kiran Pawaskar had raised the issue through a calling attention motion.PTI