Mumbai: Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, accused Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray of exploiting the Dharavi redevelopment issue for financial gain. Nirupam demanded that Thackeray swear on the name of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and disclose whether he received funds from industrialist Gautam Adani.
Nirupam explained that in January 2019, during the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government, Adani’s bid for Dharavi’s redevelopment was rejected, with Seclink Company winning the contract. However, Seclink withdrew due to technical issues, and in 2020, the Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government canceled the Seclink contract, allowing the Adani Group to take over. He questioned if this decision was influenced by external pressures, potentially from NCP leader Sharad Pawar and his connections with Adani.
Nirupam’s remarks followed Uddhav’s recent demand to cancel the Dharavi redevelopment tender and his assertion that his party would not allow Mumbai to become an “Adani City.” Nirupam argued that the tender terms have remained consistent under the current coalition government and accused Sena (UBT) of opposing the project without valid reasons.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced plans to provide housing for both eligible and ineligible Dharavi residents. Nirupam suggested that Sena (UBT)’s protests in December 2023 and July 2024 were responses to this decision and questioned Uddhav’s silence over the past six months, implying that the protests might be a tactic to garner election donations.
Nirupam criticised Sena (UBT) for what he described as self-serving politics that hinder the progress of Dharavi’s slum dwellers and challenged Uddhav to swear on Balasaheb Thackeray’s name regarding any financial dealings with Adani.
