Mumbai: In a scathing allegation that could spark a political storm, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad accused the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) of facilitating a Rs 1,200 crore land scam in Andheri's Juhu. In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, Gaikwad demanded an immediate halt to construction work at CTS No. 207 in Andheri (Gao) and called for an independent judicial inquiry into the matter.
'BMC Workers & Slum Residents Evicted Illegally,' Says Varsha Gaikwad
Gaikwad alleged that BMC workers and slum residents have been illegally and forcefully evicted from the site without being provided with alternate housing. “We are fighting for the rightful homes of BMC workers and slum residents. The land is now being handed over to a builder without clarity on whether it falls under the Ashray Yojana or SRA scheme. This is a blatant violation of due process,” she said.
According to Gaikwad, 85 eligible residents were declared ineligible three months ago and were removed from their homes without any rehabilitation. She claimed the builder has taken unauthorised possession of the land and has even installed signage at the site, raising serious questions about the collusion between civic bodies and private players.
She also questioned a reported Rs 10 crore payment made to the builder, despite no construction work having commenced. “Under what authority was this amount paid? Why hasn’t the BMC addressed queries raised by corporators and local leaders?” she asked, suggesting financial irregularities at the highest levels.
Gaikwad Slams Mahayuti, Demands Accountability
Accusing the Mahayuti government of turning a blind eye, Gaikwad warned that the Mumbai Congress would escalate the matter if prompt action isn’t taken. “This is not about just one housing project. It reflects a wider pattern of corruption and collusion. If the government fails to respond, we will move the court. We are committed to exposing one scam every week,” she declared.
Ending her statement with a sharp political remark, she said, “Mahayuti sarkar masta, Mumbaikar trasta; the government is relaxed while the people of Mumbai are suffering. We won’t let this go unanswered.”
The allegations come at a time when civic accountability and urban redevelopment are already under public scrutiny ahead of the BMC polls in city, adding fuel to the opposition’s campaign against the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
