Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, accusing it of prioritizing corporate interests, particularly favoring the Adani Group in major projects, including the Dharavi redevelopment. Thackeray claimed that these decisions were not only displacing thousands of residents but also threatening Mumbai’s economic stature and public infrastructure.
Dharavi Redevelopment: Displacement or Exploitation?
At the center of Thackeray’s criticism is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of India’s most ambitious urban renewal plans. The project, which has been awarded to Adani Properties, involves the rehabilitation of over 1.5 lakh families. However, Thackeray alleged that the government was exploiting residents under the guise of redevelopment, offering inadequate housing and neglecting their livelihoods.
“This is not redevelopment; this is exploitation,” Thackeray said, claiming that the government’s approach lacked transparency and fairness. He argued that rather than providing improved housing and better living conditions, the project was merely a corporate windfall that disregarded the needs of the people.
Despite these allegations, the Bombay High Court has upheld the tender process, ruling that it was neither arbitrary nor unreasonable. The Supreme Court has also declined to stay the project, allowing its progress to continue. However, concerns remain among opposition leaders and activists about whether the redevelopment will genuinely benefit the existing residents or push them out of their homes.
Concerns Over Mumbai’s Public Transport and Shrinking BEST Fleet
Thackeray also turned his attention to the deteriorating state of Mumbai’s public transport, particularly the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. He pointed out that the number of buses in the fleet has drastically reduced, affecting millions of daily commuters.
“The fleet has shrunk from 4,000 buses to barely 1,500-2,000,” Thackeray stated, blaming the government for neglecting the city’s public transport needs. He also lamented the phasing out of Mumbai’s iconic red double-decker buses, which have been a part of the city’s heritage for decades.
A key concern raised by Thackeray was the uncertainty surrounding Mumbai’s shift to electric buses. “By 2027, we had planned for 10,000 electric buses, but now even those ambitions are vanishing,” he said, emphasizing that Mumbai is falling behind in sustainable urban mobility.
Public transport experts have also voiced similar concerns, warning that if the government does not invest in expanding the BEST fleet and improving infrastructure, traffic congestion and pollution in the city will worsen.
Mumbai vs. GIFT City: Demand for Equal Incentives
In a broader economic critique, Thackeray accused the government of undermining Mumbai’s financial dominance by failing to provide the same incentives and subsidies that Gujarat’s GIFT City enjoys. The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has been aggressively promoted by the central government as India’s next financial hub, raising concerns that Mumbai may lose its long-held position as the country’s economic powerhouse.
“Why is Mumbai being neglected? Mumbai has been India’s economic backbone for decades. We won’t let it lose its importance,” Thackeray asserted. He urged the Maharashtra government to introduce policies that support businesses, infrastructure development, and financial institutions in the city to ensure it remains competitive.
Allegations of Corporate Favoritism
Thackeray’s criticism extended beyond the Dharavi project and public transport issues. He accused the Maharashtra government of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of the people, particularly in its dealings with large conglomerates like the Adani Group.
“Earning wealth in Mumbai is fine, but looting Mumbaikars for it is unacceptable,” he said, vowing to oppose policies that he believes are skewed in favor of a few corporate giants at the expense of ordinary citizens.
This is not the first time the opposition has accused the Maharashtra government of favoring large corporations. Similar allegations were raised when the state lost key industrial projects, such as the Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant, which was moved to Gujarat despite initial plans for Maharashtra.
Political and Public Reactions
Thackeray’s remarks have sparked political debate, with leaders from the ruling coalition dismissing his allegations as baseless and politically motivated. A senior government official stated, “The Dharavi redevelopment is a long-overdue project that will provide better living conditions for thousands of people. The opposition is merely trying to create unnecessary fear.”
Meanwhile, urban planners and social activists have expressed mixed views. While some agree that Mumbai’s infrastructure needs urgent attention, others argue that the government’s policies aim to modernize the city in line with global urban development trends.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Dharavi project moves forward and Mumbai’s transport challenges continue to mount, the debate over urban planning, corporate influence, and sustainable development is expected to intensify. With Mumbai being one of the world’s most densely populated cities, the balance between redevelopment and displacement, growth and equity, remains a critical issue for policymakers and citizens alike.
Thackeray has vowed to keep up the pressure on the government, signaling that the fight over Mumbai’s future is far from over.
