Mumbai, Nov 20 (Midday News): Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief, Raj Thackeray slammed PM Narendra Modi for his Swachh Bharat initiative as well as some major infra projects on Saturday in Thane. The MNS leader took potshots at the PM, stating that he was promoting the initiative even while his own constituency, Varanasi, was suffering from grave sanitation issues. Thackeray said, "Our PM keeps talking about the Swachh Bharat initiative but the Ganga that flows throw his constituency has the problem of floating dead bodies."

He further slammed the BJP for roping in celebrities, stating, "The celebrities who pose in the campaign click pictures with brooms in their hands on roads which are already clean." Raj also came down heavily on the government for the bullet train project, which would require a huge loan that taxpayers will have to bear. During his speech he said, "If the Nagpur-Mumbai super communication expressway helps in development of the areas then it is good. But, if the BJP is thinking that it will help separate Vidarbha from Maharashtra, then we would not let it happen."

Thackeray said, "On the toll issue, people say that we left the agitation halfway which is not true. But, the same people don't say a word against the BJP, which had promised toll-free roads in Maharashtra if they are voted to power."