Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reaffirmed that the Mayor of Mumbai will be from the MahaYuti alliance and must be “both Hindu and Marathi.” By emphasizing this, Fadnavis aimed to counter the emotional appeal of the Shiv Sena and MNS, while also maintaining support from BJP’s core Hindutva voters. He dismissed the influence of the Thackeray family, highlighting the importance of development and security in today’s political landscape.
Fadnavis, speaking at the MahaYuti’s joint rally for the BMC elections, connected the removal of illegal immigrants to the safety of Mumbai. He stressed the need to secure the city’s resources for legitimate residents and mill workers by addressing the issue of illegal residents. Fadnavis underscored that identifying and deporting illegal Bangladeshi nationals is crucial for the city’s security, not just a political promise.
In response to the housing crisis, Fadnavis announced a new approach beyond lotteries, where the state would guarantee housing loans for mill workers. He assured that the long wait for housing solutions would soon end, criticizing Uddhav Thackeray for not utilizing BMC funds for this purpose. Fadnavis also criticized the Thackerays for taking credit for infrastructure projects and highlighted his vision to transform Mumbai into a “59-minute city” by 2029.
Fadnavis shifted focus to sustainable development with the Green Mumbai initiative, making the city the first in South Asia to implement climate budgeting. He allocated a significant portion of the BMC’s capital expenditure to green projects, aiming for Mumbai to achieve Net Zero status by 2050. By combining development, security, and identity, Fadnavis presented a comprehensive agenda under the MahaYuti banner, emphasizing justice for Mumbai’s original residents.
