MUMBAI: In defense of the ongoing slum demolition initiative in the city, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Friday that the cycle of encroachment and government-provided housing cannot persist indefinitely.
Responding to inquiries regarding the eviction of slum dwellers without the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Housing for All initiative, Fadnavis noted that Mumbai has seen the highest number of slum dwellers receive ownership homes in the past decade, and the government will continue this effort. However, he emphasized that the court has imposed certain conditions, stating that only eligible residents are to be allocated homes, while ineligible ones must be removed.
“These are court directives. This cycle cannot perpetuate endlessly; people will encroach, and we will provide homes, but the courts have set a deadline, which has been extended. Now, those exceeding this date, without court orders or permissions, cannot be allocated homes. Moreover, in specific areas, the court has mandated time-sensitive action, which is currently being undertaken,” Fadnavis explained during a press conference.
In regard to the repercussions of foreign investors retracting their investments in Maharashtra, Fadnavis remarked, “While it’s true that Foreign Institutional Investors have pulled some funds from the stock market, this capital is being redirected towards data centers. India has seen substantial commitments for data centers, totaling around US $40 billion, with Maharashtra securing 55% of these commitments. Some projects have commenced and others are currently in the planning stages, indicating that the investments being funneled in are far greater than those being withdrawn.”
Discussing the MLC elections, Fadnavis mentioned that any rifts between the BJP and Shiv Sena have been resolved, and peace has been restored in Nashik. “The BJP and Shiv Sena will collaboratively secure victories in Nashik and Jalgaon,” he stated.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi’s record as the longest-serving elected PM, Fadnavis clarified that he did not wish to make comparisons with the first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, but noted that Modi has significantly transformed the nation, initiating a “360-degree transformation.”
Fadnavis highlighted that Modi’s legacy is characterized not just by his duration in office, but by the scope and impact of the changes implemented during his tenure. “This isn’t simply about being the longest-serving PM; it’s also about being the most effective,” he added.
He mentioned that the BJP-led NDA currently governs 22 states and serves approximately 80% of the nation’s population. Fadnavis asserted Modi’s unmatched popularity worldwide, noting that international rating agencies consistently rank him as the globe’s most favored leader, maintaining approval ratings around 75%. He also pointed out that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, with food security extended to 80 crore citizens. He emphasized various welfare initiatives like PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and the Lakhpati Didi scheme.
