In a sharp rebuke to political opponents, Bihar's JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary has declared that no force can prevent the construction of the proposed Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai, asserting that "none has the guts to stop its construction." This strong statement comes days after Maharashtra-based parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) voiced opposition to the ambitious project.
Controversy Over Rs 314 Crore Project
The controversy erupted after the Bihar cabinet granted administrative approval for over Rs 314 crore to construct a 30-storey Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai last week. The facility is designed to accommodate Bihari residents who travel to Mumbai for urgent work, featuring 178 rooms and a dormitory with 240 beds specifically for patients and their attendants seeking medical treatment in the city.
Minister's Fiery Response
Reacting to the opposition from Maharashtra parties, Choudhary told media representatives that India operates as a democracy, not a monarchy, and emphasized that the project would proceed regardless of objections. "The idea is to help Bihar residents by providing residential facilities if they go with urgent work," he explained, framing the initiative as a public service measure for citizens from his state.
BJP's Strong Support
The Bharatiya Janata Party has thrown its weight behind the project, with leaders arguing that the facility represents more than just a building. A BJP leader stated that "this building will not only be a structure but will also serve as a reliable support system for patients from Bihar seeking treatment in Mumbai, their families, and the Bihari people who have been working diligently for years to strengthen the country's economy."
BJP spokesman Prem Ranjan Patel added that the opposition's stance undermines social harmony and national unity, noting that "the progress of Mumbai includes the hard work and dedication of Biharis in every sector of construction, industry, service, and labour." He confirmed that the Maharashtra government is cooperating with Bihar on the project despite the political objections.
Maharashtra Parties' Objections
Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have criticized the plan to construct Bihar Bhawan on land owned by the Mumbai Port Authority, insisting that the prime property should instead be used for local amenities. MNS leader Yashwant Killedar argued that the substantial Rs 314 crore investment could be better spent on hospitals and medical infrastructure within Bihar itself.
Vinayak Raut of Shiv Sena described the project as a "burden on local infrastructure" and accused the Bihar government of politically motivated land acquisition. "Today it is Bihar Bhawan, tomorrow it could be Gujarat Bhawan in the Bandra-Kurla Complex," he warned, highlighting Mumbai's ongoing shortage of land and resources as justification for their opposition.
Broader Implications
This controversy highlights the complex interplay between state development projects and inter-state relations in India's federal structure. The debate touches on several critical issues:
- Resource allocation between states and within metropolitan areas
- Infrastructure priorities for urban development
- Political representation of migrant communities in host states
- Federal cooperation on public welfare projects
As the project moves forward, it will test the balance between state autonomy and national unity, while addressing the practical needs of Bihari citizens who regularly travel to Mumbai for medical treatment and urgent business matters.
