In a dramatic turn of events, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has become embroiled in controversy as Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena's UBT faction, leveled accusations of favoritism and corruption against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thackeray's allegations have stirred a heated debate, and the project's future now hangs in the balance. Amidst an impassioned rally, Uddhav Thackeray made a series of contentious claims, addressing several key issues surrounding the DRP
The World's Largest TDR Scandal
Thackeray described the DRP as the world's most extensive Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) scandal, alleging that the BJP's motivation for toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by him was to favor Adani in awarding the project contract. He voiced concerns over what he viewed as an extravagant TDR grant of Rs 1 crore to Adani, asserting that this would allow the Adani family to live comfortably without the need for employment. Thackeray demanded equal access to housing for all residents, without discrimination or eligibility criteria.
Political Blame Game and Economic Impact
Uddhav Thackeray shifted blame for the project's woes to his political rivals, highlighting that the decision to redevelop Dharavi was initially made in 2018 during the tenure of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister. He accused the government of tweaking the DRP tender to favor Adani, which, according to him, included a range of tax exemptions, benefits, and incentives that would negatively impact Mumbai and Maharashtra's finances.
Thackeray also raised concerns about the state government's perceived favoritism towards the Adani conglomerate. He playfully dubbed the government's "Sarkar Aplya Dari (government at your doorstep)" initiative as "Sarkar Adanichya Dari (government at Adani's doorstep)." Furthermore, he accused the BJP of treachery, asserting that his government had been functioning successfully for two and a half years before it was ousted.
Political Responses and Public Sentiment
Thackeray's rally garnered support from key figures within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, including Congress MLA Varsha Gaikwad and leaders from the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP). However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed the allegations, suggesting that those opposing Dharavi's development would face a strong response from the state's residents.
Rebuttal and Clarifications by the Adani Group
In response to Thackeray's allegations, the Adani group issued a statement vehemently defending their involvement in the DRP. They stressed that they secured the project through a fair and transparent international bidding process, and the tender conditions were established during the MVA government's tenure. The Adani group refuted claims of special benefits being granted to them after the tendering process. The group reiterated its commitment to providing housing solutions for all eligible tenement holders, with even ineligible ones being accommodated under the Rental Housing Policy. They emphasized that eligible residential tenements would receive 17% more space than in other similar projects and that the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) adhered to all relevant legal provisions.
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