BJP Demanded For Enquiry Against Previous Maharastra Govt’s ‘Conspiracy’ With Builders

The BJP urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to investigate whether there was a conspiracy to transfer a vacant plot next to the Coastal Road to builders during the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government on thursday.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar raised this issue after the state government decided to beautify and develop the 300-acre open space between the Race Course and the Coastal Road, rather than using it for commercial construction.

A proposal has been made to create a Central Park on 120 acres of the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai, which will enhance the city’s beauty and significantly benefit the environment. Additionally, trees will be planted on the 180 acres of reclaimed land for beautification and environmental purposes, providing around 300 acres of open space for public use.

BJP chief Ashish Shelar

Shelar pointed out that when permission for the Coastal Road project was sought, the Central Environment Department had required a written guarantee from the state government that the reclaimed land would not be used for commercial purposes or any construction.

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“At that time, Uddhav Thackeray’s government was in power, and his son Aaditya Thackeray was the environment minister. Why did they fail to submit a written guarantee to the Central Environment Department? Even the CAG criticized the former government for this oversight. Why did the then environment minister, Aaditya Thackeray, not submit an affidavit despite the Central Ministry’s request?” asked Shelar.

“Was there any vested interest behind this? Was there a conspiracy to hand it over to builders?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for the CM to conduct a probe.