Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made a significant pledge to the Marathi-speaking populace of Mumbai, asserting that they will not be forced to leave the city and will instead be provided housing within its core areas. He made these declarations while addressing a major rally for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Housing Promise and Civic Polls Confidence
Speaking at a joint rally of the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and RPI—in Worli on Saturday, Fadnavis promised a transparent overhaul of Mumbai. He emphasized improving the ease of living and creating livelihood opportunities for all residents. A central promise was directed at the Marathi Manoos (Marathi-speaking native), assuring them of "decent homes right in the heart of the city."
Exuding confidence ahead of the crucial civic polls, Fadnavis also declared that Mumbai's next mayor will be from the Mahayuti alliance, and will be both Hindu and Marathi. He dismissed opposition narratives as "false storms" meant to mislead the public, stating that the people of Mumbai are aware of the development work carried out by the central and state governments.
Mega Projects and a Rs 17,000 Crore Pollution Fight
The Chief Minister outlined a series of infrastructure and welfare initiatives forming the backbone of the proposed 'Mumbai Makeover'. To tackle the city's severe air and environmental pollution, he announced that a dedicated budget of Rs 17,000 crore will be set aside for effective mitigation measures.
On connectivity, Fadnavis highlighted the ongoing metro network expansion. The goal is a 450-kilometre network to interconnect the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), of which 350 km of work is already complete. "The purpose is to ensure people travelling anywhere across MMR should reach within 59 minutes," he stated. This, he added, is aimed at decongesting the city, enhancing commuting, and ensuring a better life for the poor, middle-class, and working class.
Security, Hindutva, and Targeting the Opposition
Fadnavis linked the city's security to its development agenda. He vowed to make the financial capital safe by driving away illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. On the topic of Hindutva, he clarified that the alliance is not against any religion but is opposed to those who refuse to say 'Vande Mataram' or 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.
He issued a stern warning, saying, "In the name of religion if some segments indulge in anti-national acts, it will not be tolerated. They will be taught a lesson." The CM directly targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, accusing them of raising a "bogey of threat to Mumbai" only during elections and stalling projects during the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime.
Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde, who also spoke at the rally, accused Uddhav Thackeray of "looting the BMC" and compromising the legacy of Bal Thackeray by allying with those opposed to Hindutva. He labeled Uddhav as the "king of corruption" and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with fulfilling Bal Thackeray's dreams regarding the Ram Temple and Article 370.
Fadnavis concluded by asserting that Mumbaikars recognize the work done by the Mahayuti government, from the coastal road to housing projects, and will not be fooled by the opposition's attempts to claim credit.
