To oppose the upcoming redevelopment project of Dharavi through the Adani company, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena called for a march from Dharavi to the corporate office of the Adani group at Bandra Kurla Complex. Lakhs of people attended the march, which included members from the Nationalist Congress Party, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI, CPI (M), RPI, Peasant and Workers Party, Bhim Army, and Dharavi Businessmen Welfare Association. Thousands of Shiv Sena workers, Vibhag Pramukh, and Shakha Pramukh also participated in the march.
The Dharavi Bachao March
The march started from the Dharavi T-junction and continued until BKC near SEBI quarters. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, MP Sanjay Raut, MP Vinayak Raut, former NCP MLA Baburao Mane, Raju Korde of the peasants and workers, and other leaders were present in this all-party march.
Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray during the Dharavi Bachao March | Vijay Gohil
Thousands of Shiv Sena supporters were seen carrying saffron flags in hand and orange caps on their heads. They were hailing their party Chief Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, and late Balasaheb Thackeray. Shiv Sena supporters were also chanting slogans against the Shinde-Fadnavis government and Adani.
Other parties also participated actively
Similarly, other parties were carrying flags of their respective parties and placards with slogans, demonstrating strong opposition to Adani and the government. Banners of UBT Sena, Congress, RPI were displayed on the road.
Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray during the Dharavi Bachao March | Vijay Gohil
All the party workers, including women and senior citizens, along with their leaders, reached rally places from Bandra station, Kurla Station, and Sion station. Traffic police also implemented many traffic diversions at various spots. Traffic jam situations were also observed at T-junction, Kala Nagar, and BKC near the Adani office.
Uddhav Thackeray aggressively criticized the state government's decision to offer various profit-gaining opportunities to the Adani group of companies through the Dharavi redevelopment project. He also warned that this is just the beginning, and in the future, a stronger agitation will be carried out if Dharavi residents do not receive homes of at least five hundred square feet in Dharavi itself.
Vijay Gohil
In his half-hour speech, Uddhav Thackeray highlighted many issues about the Dharavi project. While pointing out to the huge crowd, Uddhav said, "I was saying that I will consolidate and bring all Maharashtra citizens on the road against the government for favoring Adani for the Dharavi project."
Aaditya Thackeray amid Dharavi Bachao Morcha by UBT Sena group led by Uddhav Thackeray | Vijay Gohil
He also took a potshot against Shinde and his MLAs, saying, "Rupees 50 crores (Khoke) are falling short for them; hence, they want to loot Dharavi. This government is saying 'Sarkar aaplya Daari' (government at the doorstep of citizens), it is untrue. I would say this government is at the doorstep of Adani, not citizens. This government is giving all the TDR to Adani, even toilets and bathroom TDR of Dharavi."
Uddhav Thackeray speaks during Dharavi Bachao Morcha. | Vijay Gohil
Uddhav comes down heavily on the BJP
Coming down heavily on BJP, Uddhav says, "BJP means 'Bhartiya Jugari (gambling) Party.' Why is BJP licking the boots of Adani?" He asked. "I will not allow this land (Dharavi) to go to Adani. Since childhood, I have been residing at Kalanagar, which is a stone's throw away from Dharavi. I know how it was and how it has developed."
Dharavi Bachao Morcha by UBT Sena group led by Uddhav Thackeray |
Uddhav said, "You (BJP) can steal my MLAs, but how will you steal the trust of the people, which I gain in the hearts of the people?"
Uddhav alleged, "The current Shinde-Fadnavis government is also waiving all the development taxes of Adani. I have heard big colonies of Mumbai like Motilal Nagar Goregaon, Deonar three fifty acres of land, Adarsh Nagar, Abhudaya Nagar Kalachowkie will also be given to Adani for redevelopment. Dharavi residents will be shifted to the Salt pan area, and after a few years, that land will also be given to Adani for redevelopment," alleged Uddhav. BJP has made Lodha the guardian minister to sign only the development papers of Adani. The state government should have developed Dharavi like the BDD Chawl redevelopment project.
Dharavi Bachao Morcha by UBT Sena group led by Uddhav Thackeray | Vijay Gohil
Uddhav warns against the Dharavi project
Uddhav aggressively warned that the government will steal the homes of Dharavi residents, but the roads are still free, and you (ministers and government officers) go from these roads; you must know this. Uddhav demanded that Dharavi residents should get homes only in Dharavi itself because their businesses are in Dharavi only. The government should also provide them a place for their business in Dharavi. Considering police force action against protesters in the future, Uddhav said, "Police should adhere to their honesty and slogan 'Sadd rakshanay khal nigranay.' Police must know the government comes and goes. Tomorrow our government will come, so don't malign your image."
What the citizens said
Vinod More resident said " If Dharavi redevelopment is essential, then State government should do this, why Adani? Why only one company is being favoured? We need at least 500 sq ft houses."
Vinod More |
Vitthal Pawar, a resident, said, " Monopoly of one company should not be there. My simple question is, who will see people's interest Adani or the government? Government has its own authorities like MHADA, CIDCO, MMRDA then why is State government only interested to give contract to Adani only?"
Vitthal Pawar |
Bebi More, another resident, said " Modi government has sold Railway plots, ports, Air ports major development projects of country, mines to Adani group. Now, our homes are also been given to Adani that we will not allow to happen."
Bebi More |
