In a significant announcement aimed at boosting spiritual tourism, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Mumbai unit has revealed plans to create a dedicated corridor connecting four of the city's most prominent temples. This initiative was disclosed by Pavan Tripathi, the BJP's Mahamantri for Mumbai, who also expressed strong confidence in the ruling Mahayuti alliance's performance in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Religious Corridor and Poll Confidence
Pavan Tripathi stated that the proposed corridor will seamlessly link the Mumbadevi, Babulnath, Mahalaxmi, and Siddhivinayak temples, creating a circuit for devotees and tourists. This move is seen as a key part of the party's strategy to enhance Mumbai's infrastructure for religious tourism.
Speaking to the Times of India, Tripathi, who played a central role in candidate selection for the civic polls, projected a decisive victory for the Mahayuti alliance. He expressed confidence that the coalition would secure over 150 seats, with the BJP alone winning more than 100 of them. He dismissed notions of a Marathi versus non-Marathi divide in the election, crediting the BJP with providing homes for the Marathi Manoos and citing the BDD chawls redevelopment as a prime example. He squarely blamed Uddhav Thackeray for the "sin" of forcing Marathi-speaking people out of Mumbai.
Security, Development, and Civic Issues
Tripathi asserted that the election is being contested on the twin pillars of security and development. He claimed that Mumbai transformed into a much safer city after 2014, shedding its old moniker of 'Bomb Blast City'. He believes women, including those from the Muslim community, will vote for the Mahayuti based on this enhanced security, not just welfare schemes, as they are the worst affected by violence.
On the contentious issue of encroachments, Tripathi said the party's campaign against infiltrators and illegal settlements helped control their spread, particularly in areas like Malwani in Malad West. The party is committed to a slum-free Mumbai, a move he argued would also reduce crime and drug addiction. He advocated for the removal of footpath encroachments to ensure smooth pedestrian movement.
Manifesto Promises and Accountability
Tripathi announced that the BJP's "Sankalp Patra" or manifesto for the BMC would be released shortly. It will focus on critical upgrades to civic hospitals and schools, alongside welfare measures for women. He also sent a strong message on corruption, vowing that those who indulged in graft within the BMC over the past 25 years would not escape justice. "Certain investigations are underway; the culprits will be punished," he affirmed.
Addressing concerns about ticket distribution, Tripathi denied any discrimination against North Indians, stating that 21 seats were allotted to candidates from the community. He maintained that all candidacies were decided after considering every relevant criterion, and the party is hopeful of a full sweep.
