MNS stages 'protest', floats paper boats

AURANGABAD: Activists of the Maharashtra NavnirmanSena (MNS) on Monday floated paper boats in water-filled potholes in the cantonment area to protest against the bad condition of city roads.
Last week, the activists had protested by organising a long jump competition over a potholed stretch.
As the civic officials, in the meantime, got wind of the activists' 'Naav Chalav Aandolan', they covered up the potholes early on Monday morning.The MNS activists arrived at the pre-decided spot at 11 am and had to search for other roads in the area to carry out their agitation.
MNS Western divisional president Bipin Naik said, "The authorities concerned might have read about our activities in the news. That is why they got the road covered up early morning."
However, the camp board officials denied that they acted because of the MNS' plan to protest. "It is a routine activity. Tar work on roads cannot be done during the rains, hence the potholes have to be covered with gravel," said an assistant engineer at the Camp board.
The official said the action was pre-planned.
"We are proud that the roads here are in a better condition than those in the other parts of the city," he added.