Locals have warned that they will not allow the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport if it is not named after late national leader D.B. Patil. A large protest has been planned for October 6 to demand that the airport be named in his honor.
A meeting was held in Koparkhairane on Sunday, where the decision to protest was made unanimously. The meeting was organized by MP Suresh (Balyamama) Mhatre at the Shetkari Samaj Mandir.
Delayed Decision Sparks Anger
The demand to name the airport after D.B. Patil has been pending for years. While the state government has approved the proposal and sent it to the central government, no final decision or official notification has been issued yet.
The airport is expected to be inaugurated on October 8 or 9. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier announced that the airport would be named after D.B. Patil. However, locals are upset that the Centre has not confirmed this officially, even after three years.
Protest on October 6
MP Suresh Mhatre stated that if the central government officially names the airport after D.B. Patil before the inauguration, the people will welcome the decision. But if the airport is opened without confirming the name, a strong protest will follow.
A massive protest march will be held on October 6 at the airport site. Around one lakh "Bhumiputras" (sons of the soil) from Navi Mumbai and surrounding coastal districts are expected to take part. Bhumiputra organizations and local leaders have been asked to mobilize for the march.
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