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Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has launched a scathing attack on the Dharavi redevelopment project awarded to Gautam Adani's company. Thackeray has vehemently declared that he will not allow Mumbai to transform into what he calls an 'Adani City'. His strong opposition stems from his belief that the project, as currently structured, unfairly benefits Adani while potentially displacing and jeopardizing the lives of Dharavi residents.
Thackeray's concerns are rooted in the lack of transparency surrounding the project's details. He questions the lack of clarity on how Dharavi residents will be accommodated during and after the redevelopment, and what specific amenities they will receive. This lack of clarity, he argues, makes the entire project appear as a 'trap' designed to benefit Adani at the expense of the local population.
Thackeray's criticism extends beyond the Dharavi project itself. He accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to shift the economic focus of Mumbai towards Adani's interests. He cites the example of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), originally planned for Mumbai's Bandra Kurla complex, being shifted to GIFT City in Gujarat, a special economic zone heavily backed by Adani. This move, Thackeray asserts, demonstrates Modi's willingness to prioritize Adani's interests over Mumbai's development.
Thackeray's stance has garnered significant attention and fueled the ongoing political debate surrounding the Dharavi redevelopment project. He has demanded that the tender for the project be cancelled and that all Dharavi residents be guaranteed a 500-square-foot house. Furthermore, he insists that no resident be displaced during the redevelopment process. If Adani cannot meet these demands, Thackeray calls for a re-tender to be issued, allowing other companies to compete for the project.
The political ramifications of Thackeray's stance are significant. It highlights the deep-seated political divisions surrounding the Dharavi redevelopment project and the broader power dynamics between the ruling BJP and the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT). It remains to be seen how the government will respond to Thackeray's criticisms and demands, and whether the project will proceed as planned.
Source: Uddhav Thackeray says won't allow Mumbai to turn into ‘Adani City’