Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, announced on Saturday his plan to scrap the Dharavi slum redevelopment project tender awarded to Gautam Adani’s firm if his party gains power in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the residents and businesses of Dharavi should not be uprooted. Thackeray insisted that locals must be provided with 500 square feet houses within the locality.
“We will not allow Mumbai to be turned into Adani city.”
During a press conference, Thackeray questioned why the current government should not cancel the tender immediately. He declared, “We will not allow Mumbai to be turned into Adani city.” Thackeray accused the government of offering additional concessions to the Adani Group beyond those specified in the contract for redeveloping Dharavi, one of the world’s densest urban areas.
Plans for Fresh Tender
Thackeray assured that no extra concessions would be given. He pledged to prioritize what is best for Dharavi residents. If necessary, his party would issue a fresh tender for the project.
Political Strategy
Taking a jibe at the government, Thackeray asked if they were planning a ‘Ladka Mitra’ (dear friend) scheme similar to the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana’, which provides women with Rs 1,500 per month. The Dharavi redevelopment project has been a significant poll issue for Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Anil Desai led by 36,857 votes against sitting MP Rahul Shewale from the Dharavi assembly segment and ultimately defeated Shewale by 53,384 votes.
Concerns Over Eligibility
Thackeray raised concerns about the government’s approach to numbering homes. He suggested it was a strategy to trap Dharavi residents in issues of eligibility and ineligibility, potentially driving them away.
Land Procurement Issues
Thackeray accused the government of trying to acquire land under the slum rehabilitation scheme to rehouse Dharavi residents. He stated that 20 plots in the city, intended for infrastructure development, are being procured for this purpose. Thackeray warned this would create an imbalance in the city, stressing the infrastructure in the relocation areas.
Economic Impact
The Dharavi project, with a revenue potential of Rs 20,000 crore, aims to rebuild the massive slum in central Mumbai, near the BKC business district. The tender was awarded to Adani Properties in November 2022, following a competitive bidding process involving realty major DLF and Naman Developers.
(With inputs from agencies)
