Mumbai: Weeks after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cleared turning the sprawling 2.5-acre Jinnah House at Malabar Hill into a diplomatic enclave, state minister Ashish Shelar is said to have discussed its demolition during a meeting on Thursday evening.
Though sources said a decision couldn’t be arrived at, Shelar told the FPJ that the meeting was to understand the status of the property, which comes under the MEA. He said the meeting was called after a representation was made by the Yuva Sena. However, as per reliable sources, the agenda was “immediate demolition” of the property built by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
It is learnt that the state government can’t dictate the decision and no plan of demolishing the property has ever been spelt out by the Centre. Although certain properties categorised as ‘Evacuee’ or ‘Enemy’ properties (left behind by those who migrated to Pakistan or other countries) are under the control of the state government, Jinnah House does not fall under either.
Sources said the BJP-led Mahayuti, which is gearing up for the crucial BMC elections, may want to take the extreme stand owing to the surge in the patriotic sentiment. The meeting was scheduled at the Mumbai Suburban District Collector’s office, where state government officials were called. Sources said, as per protocol, it should have been held with the officials from the Centre.
The mansion, known as the South Court, was built in 1936. After the MEA’s permission, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) roped in Sir JJ School of Architecture as the consultant for the project to turn it into a diplomatic house, but the work is yet to begin.
The property is also under litigation as Jinnah’s only daughter, Dina Wadia, approached the Bombay High Court in 2007 to stake claim. The matter is being pursued by her son Nusli Wadia. In 2017, Malabar Hill MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha wanted it turned into a cultural centre and wrote to then Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
