Aaditya Thackeray Condemns BJP Corporator's Congestion Tax Proposal for Mumbai
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Monday against BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar for his suggestion to impose a congestion tax on private vehicles with single occupants entering high-traffic zones and business districts in Mumbai. Thackeray expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the timing of the proposal as the BJP's mayoral term has not yet formally begun in the city.
Thackeray's Social Media Outburst
In a post on X, Thackeray wrote, "Mayoral term for the BJP hasn't yet formally begun in Mumbai and Speaker Rahul Narwekar's brother — Makarand Narwekar (BJP Corporator from Colaba) has written to the BMC demanding that a ‘congestion tax' be imposed on vehicles in Mumbai. What a shame that the BJP only looks at Mumbai to loot and not give anything back!" He further criticized the BJP-led union government, claiming there was "nothing prominent in the national budget for Mumbai for the entire term of the BJP's union government — despite giving so much to the government's treasury!"
Allegations of Neglect and Scams
Thackeray's post escalated with allegations of mismanagement, stating, "Scams for the past 4 years to loot Mumbai by the BJP state regime — from road scam to beautification scam... and then this person has the audacity to demand more money from hardworking Mumbaikars." He posed pointed questions to the BJP, asking, "Why does the BJP hate Mumbai so much? For every bit of the broken roads by the BJP contractors, will we get our tax back? For every bus reduced from the BEST, by the BJP, to benefit private bus companies, will we get our tax back? For every bit of SPM that we breathe from the terrible AQI, will the BJP give Mumbaikars tax back?"
This criticism underscores ongoing political tensions in Mumbai, with Thackeray framing the congestion tax proposal as another example of the BJP's alleged exploitation of the city. The debate highlights broader issues of urban governance, infrastructure, and public finance in India's financial capital.
