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The political landscape in Mumbai is rife with tension as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack against the Dharavi redevelopment tender awarded to Gautam Adani's conglomerate. Thackeray, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has declared that his party will not allow Mumbai to be transformed into what he terms 'Adani City'. He views the project as a potential trap, criticizing the lack of clarity regarding the amenities and living arrangements for the Dharavi residents. Thackeray emphasizes that the redevelopment should not displace anyone and insists that if Adani Group is unable to fulfill these conditions, a re-tender should be issued.
Thackeray's concerns stem from the perceived shift in favor of Adani Group in crucial infrastructure projects. He draws a parallel to the relocation of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) from Mumbai to GIFT City in Gujarat in 2020, a project that was initially slated for Mumbai but was ultimately moved to Gujarat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He asserts that the same pattern is being repeated with the Dharavi redevelopment, where he fears the project will be used to benefit Adani Group at the expense of the local population. He accuses Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of attempting to turn Mumbai into an 'Adani City,' a claim they have yet to address.
Thackeray's stance has sparked heated debate, with his supporters praising his determination to protect Mumbai's identity and the rights of Dharavi residents. However, critics argue that his opposition is politically motivated, aimed at gaining political mileage ahead of the upcoming state elections. The Dharavi redevelopment project is a complex and multifaceted endeavor, with various stakeholders having their own perspectives and interests. The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, but it is evident that the issue has injected a new layer of political tension into the Mumbai scene, potentially influencing the electoral landscape in the lead-up to the state elections.
Source: Uddhav Thackeray says won't allow Mumbai to turn into ‘Adani City’