In a rapidly escalating controversy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has transferred Assistant Municipal Commissioner Navnath Ghadge from the K/East ward, which covers key areas such as Andheri East and Vile Parle. This administrative reshuffle followed strong public outrage and political backlash over the partial demolition of a Digambar Jain temple in Vile Parle (East). The charge has now been handed over to senior municipal officer Swapnaja Khirsagar.
The demolition, carried out on April 16 by the BMC’s K/East ward office, targeted what civic authorities termed as unauthorised extensions of the temple premises. Despite legal complexities and past petitions for regularisation, portions of the structure were removed, sparking massive protests and drawing criticism from leaders across political lines. The civic body claimed that notices had been issued, and action was taken in accordance with building regulations. However, the community and several leaders saw the move as abrupt, insensitive, and poorly timed.
By Saturday evening, tensions peaked when members of the Jain community gathered outside the temple in protest. Their primary grievance centred on the BMC’s alleged disregard for due process and the community’s legal efforts to retain the temple structure. Among those who joined the protest was Mumbai Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad. She reportedly condemned the civic action, stating that it was unfortunate that a religious community had to take to the streets to be heard. She is said to have labelled the demolition both hasty and arbitrary.
Political voices from other parties also chimed in. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray posted on social media, suggesting that the BMC’s functioning is now under the direct control of the Chief Minister’s Office and the Urban Development Ministry, implying undue political influence on civic matters. Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a post, criticised the demolition as an act that had hurt the Jain community deeply, especially since no hearing had been granted before the demolition was carried out. He further alleged that religious institutions were being repeatedly targeted, leading to unrest among minority groups.
Anil Shah, a trustee of the temple, revealed that the structure was built in 1997. He shared that the temple trust had filed multiple applications for regularisation, all of which were denied by the civic body. He also claimed that a stay order had been issued by the court, which was still in effect at the time of the demolition. Despite this, the civic body proceeded with partial removal, insisting that the structure be completely taken down.
The entire episode has brought renewed focus on the BMC’s approach to managing religious structures, particularly in densely populated urban zones where faith and infrastructure often collide. With political and public pressure mounting, questions are being raised about the civic body's sensitivity, the role of the state government in local decisions, and the protection of religious harmony in a diverse city like Mumbai.
Share
Tweet
