Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during the BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp Melava’ held at the Worli Dome Auditorium, organized by Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam.
Fadnavis accused the UBT of neglecting Mumbai’s development and the interests of the Marathi Manus, while asserting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised for a decisive victory in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Taking direct aim at Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis said, “Only Balasaheb Thackeray was the real brand. Just using Balasaheb’s name will not be useful. None of Uddhav Thackeray’s recent speeches talk about the development of Mumbai.”
He claimed that under UBT’s rule, Marathi residents were forced to move out of the city, while the Mahayuti government is working to ensure their rehabilitation within Mumbai. He cited initiatives such as 500 sq. ft. homes for residents of Abhyuday Nagar and in-situ rehabilitation for Girgaon residents displaced by metro projects.
Fadnavis also accused the previous UBT-led MVA government of corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it the “coffin theft scandal.” He urged BJP workers to connect with citizens and highlight what he described as large-scale corruption during the opposition’s tenure.
Highlighting the BJP’s development agenda, Fadnavis showcased key infrastructure projects:
Dharavi Redevelopment Project, described as the world’s largest slum redevelopment plan.
Expansion of Mumbai’s metro network to 354 km, compared to just 15 km under the MVA.
Urban planning initiatives to tackle traffic congestion.
Introduction of air-conditioned local trains.
Making Mumbai the start-up capital of Maharashtra.
Reaffirming confidence in the BJP-Mahayuti’s performance, Fadnavis said, “We developed BDD chawls, we are transforming Mumbai. The opposition has no vision for this city. The people of Mumbai know the difference between empty rhetoric and real development.”
He concluded by declaring, “Mumbai belongs to the BJP and Mahayuti. A Mahayuti mayor will sit in the BMC headquarters. No matter what alliances are formed, only BJP and Mahayuti will win the BMC elections.”
