Uddhav Thackeray Promises To Scrap Dharavi Redevelopment Project Awarded To Adani If Shiv Sena (UBT) Comes To Power

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has announced that his party will dismiss the contract awarded to Adani Realty for the Dharavi redevelopment project if they come to power.

Thackeray said that a new contract with revised terms and conditions will be issued, ensuring that residents and businesses in Dharavi are not displaced and that locals receive 500 square feet houses within the area.

Thackeray also urged the current government to cancel the contract and float a new tender immediately, as per a report by The Indian Express.

He further criticised the Maharashtra government for allegedly granting "extraordinary favours" to the Adani Group and warned that Sena (UBT) workers would protest if their demands were not met.

State Congress president Nana Patole joined Thackeray in slamming the government's decision to hand over Dharavi's land to the Adani Group as he warned of similar plans for other prime properties, such as the multi-crore dairy land at Worli.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale dismissed Thackeray's allegations as baseless and politically motivated ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.

Shewale suggested that Thackeray's comments were aimed at securing party donations, noting that the Election Commission recently permitted the Sena (UBT) to accept contributions.

Shewale also stated, “Uddhav was also aware of the fact that a house larger than 350 sqft cannot be given to Dharavi dwellers considering all aspects of CRZ and air traffic regulations. Still, the unrealistic demand of 500 sqft house has been brought up just to create confusion among the people."

He further added, "Also everyone is aware that the entire existing land in Dharavi cannot be used for redevelopment due to issues like nature park in Dharavi, Dharavi Koliwada, sewage project etc. The Dharavi redevelopment project, pending for the past several years, gained momentum during the coalition government led by Shinde."

In November 2022, Adani Realty, headed by Gautam Adani, secured the 259-hectare Dharavi cluster redevelopment project contract, valued at Rs 20,000 crore.