Maharashtra's MNS leader Akhil Chitre on Wednesday slammed megastar Amitabh Bachchan, accusing him of joining the chorus of voices lobbying for the construction of the metro in Mumbai by cutting trees.

The MNS leader moreover accused the Amitabh Bachchan of 'doing a deal' with the current government, and expressed his 'sadness' over the Bollywood actor's support. 

Speaking to news agency ANI, Chitre said, "In 2010, Amitabh Bachchan was opposing the metro just because his privacy was getting hampered. But, within a few years, after the change of the government, his views changed. I do not know what deal he has done with the current government. His views may also have changed because of the change of route of the metro. It is very sad when people across Mumbai are protesting against the cutting of trees in Aarey forest, he is tweeting in favour of metro construction there."

READ | Completely against cutting of trees: Sonakshi Sinha on Aarey forest

Amitabh Bachchan's on metro

On Tuesday, Amitabh Bachchan on his official Twitter account in a post called the metro service 'faster, more convenient and efficient' than the car and that it is the solution to combat the menace of air pollution.

Bollywood's Opposition

The BJP-led Maharashtra government's plan to cut about 3,000 trees in Aarey Colony in north Mumbai for car shed of the metro has had green activists, citizens' groups, and even the Bollywood up in the arms. Celebrities including legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, Dia Mirza, Raveena Tandon, Randeep Hooda, Esha Gupta and comedian Kapil Sharma among others, have been opposing the move.

READ | Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray takes up Aarey matter, calls out MMRCL

On September 11, actor Shraddha Kapoor had joined the protesters opposing the decision of BMC's tree Authority to slash 27,000 trees in the Aarey forest, to make a car shed for the metro. The actress also posted a picture on Instagram of herself holding a placard from the protest and wrote, "It is shocking, unacceptable and has to stop."

Another Bollywood entity, Sonakshi Sinha too voiced her concerns over the proposed felling of over trees. She had said that people should unite to save the planet and that she is completely against the cutting of trees and all for planting trees, preserving forests and nature. She had further said that she thinks that everyone should join hands, take it up as a challenge and save our planet. 

Along with Bollywood stars and the MNS, Thackeray scion, Aaditya Thackeray has been opposing ally BJP's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the felling of trees. 

READ | CM Devendra Fadnavis, Aaditya Thackeray spar over Aarey protests

READ | Aarey Colony's last resort: Students ask Bear Grylls to help

(With ANI inputs)