Mumbai: BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) Clash Over Naming Vidyavihar East-West Connector After Nana Patekar Or Captain Smit Machchhar

Mumbai, October 17, 2026 - A clash has erupted between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) over the possible naming of the newly built Vidyavihar East-West connector, located near Vidyavihar railway station. The controversy centers on whether the bridge should bear the name of Captain Smit Machchhar or Nana Patekar.

MLA Parag Shah of the BJP suggested naming the bridge after Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot who prevented a mid-air hijacking on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) activists responded by posting a banner demanding the bridge be named "Padma Shri Nana Patekar Setu". Former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Tukaram Patil has also written to the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor, urging the bridge to be named after Nana Patekar.

Patil praised the actor's contributions to Marathi theatre, cinema, and his philanthropic work through the Naam Foundation.

Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar of the BJP accused the Sena (UBT) of trying to capitalize on Nana Patekar's name to gain political mileage. Khankar suggested that a major theatre or theatre complex would be a more appropriate subject for a major naming honor. The proposed 613-meter-long, four-lane Vidyavihar flyover would connect Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg to Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, significantly reducing travel times between the eastern and western parts of Vidyavihar.