Signature Bridge: BJP, AAP workers clash as 'uninvited' Manoj Tiwari reaches opening site

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari claimed AAP workers pushed him back and hurled abuses at him while the Delhi's ruling party alleged Tiwari was doing "hooliganism" and his supporters "thrashed" AAP volunteers and local people.

Manoj Tiwari and his supporters reached up to the venue of the inaugural function. Photo: ANI

NEW DELHI: High drama prevailed at the inauguration site of the much-awaited Signature Bridge as BJP and AAP workers clashed with each other ahead of its opening in the national capital. As the Delhi BJP chief Majoj Tiwari, who was not among the invitees, reached the venue of the inaugural function, AAP workers raised slogans against him and surrounded the North East Delhi MP. Tiwari claimed AAP workers pushed him back and "hurled abuses" at him while the Delhi's ruling party alleged Tiwari was doing "hooliganism" and his supporters "thrashed" AAP volunteers and local people. "I was invited to the inauguration event. I am MP from here. So what's the problem? Am I a criminal? Why have the police surrounded me? I'm here to welcome him (Arvind Kejriwal). AAP and police have misbehaved with me," Tiwari said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were not present when the protest took place. Kejriwal later said the "chaos" created by the BJP at the inauguration site was "unprecedented". "Unprecedented. Chaos by BJP at Signature Bridge inauguration site. It's a Delhi govt prog. Police mute spectator. Can LG, being head of Delhi police, ensure peace and order at Signature bridge inauguration site?" the chief minister tweeted. Tiwari had expressed displeasure over not being invited to the inaugural function and took a dig at Kejriwal government saying he will be present at the bridge to welcome the chief minister. Another AAP leader Dilip Pandey said thousands of people arrived at the site to celebrate without an invitation card, but Tiwari) considers himself a VIP and was doing "hooliganism". BJP workers have thrashed AAP volunteers and local people, Pandey said. The Signature Bridge on the Yamuna was inaugurated by Kejriwal on Sunday and it will be thrown open for public on November 5. As per the project plan, the bridge, which will reduce the travel time between north and northeast Delhi, will have designated selfie spots. Delhiites will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the bridge, where they will be taken in four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people. The elevators are likely to be operational in two months.

#WATCH BJP Delhi Chief Manoj Tiwari, his supporters and AAP supporters enter into a scuffle at the inauguration of the Signature Bridge in Delhi; Police present at the spot pic.twitter.com/NhvqxudDTT

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2018

The bridge will serve as a tourist destination with the 154-metre-high glass box giving a bird's-eye view of the city to visitors. Announced in 2004, the bridge has missed several deadlines since 2011. The proposal for the bridge, mooted in 2004, received approval of the Delhi Cabinet in 2007. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of Rs 1,131 crore for the Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010. In 2015, the cost of the project rose to Rs 1,594 crore. Reportedly, the bridge was proposed for the first time as early as in 1997 at an initial cost of Rs 464 crore. The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad bridge. (With inputs from agencies)