Mumbai bridge naming row: Shiv Sena backs Nana Patekar as BJP proposes rival

The Vidyavihar bridge in Mumbai has become the subject of competing proposals for its official naming, reflecting broader political divisions in the city. Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a campaign to name the structure after acclaimed actor Nana Patekar, seeking to honour the veteran performer's contributions to cinema and public life.

The initiative faces a counter-proposal from BJP MLA Parag Shah, who has advocated naming the bridge after Smit Machchhar. The diverging positions highlight the ongoing political tussle between the regional Shiv Sena faction and the ruling BJP in Maharashtra's capital.

Such naming disputes have periodically surfaced in Mumbai, often reflecting the city's complex political landscape where various parties seek to commemorate figures aligned with their respective ideologies. The final decision on the bridge's official name will likely depend on civic authorities and municipal bodies tasked with reviewing such proposals.

Both Nana Patekar and Smit Machchhar have distinct connections to public life, though the nature of Machchhar's public profile remains a subject of the ongoing debate between the political groups.