Aaditya Thackeray Slams BMC Budget, Calls It ‘Unjust’ and Beneficial to Adani

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has strongly criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) budget, alleging that it unfairly burdens common citizens while benefiting the Adani Group. In a series of statements, he raised concerns over new taxes, alleged financial mismanagement, and the neglect of public welfare.

Tax on Slum Shopkeepers ‘Unjust’: Aaditya

Thackeray opposed the proposed tax on shopkeepers in slum areas, calling it an unfair move aimed at pressuring Dharavi residents to accept the Adani-led redevelopment project. He compared this to the MVA government’s property tax waiver for homes up to 500 sq ft, accusing the BJP-appointed BMC administrator of now imposing additional financial burdens on the urban poor.

"The next step will be a tax on slums," he remarked, questioning the civic body’s priorities.

‘Why Should Mumbaikars Pay for Adani’s Cleanup?’

The former minister also criticized BMC’s proposed garbage collection user fee, linking it to the ₹2,500 crore expense for cleaning Deonar dumping ground. He alleged that this was being done to benefit the Adani Group, stating:

"Why should land usurped by Adani Group be cleaned up using Mumbaikars' money?"

Missing ₹7,500 Crore From Dharavi Redevelopment

Thackeray further pointed out that ₹7,500 crore in premium payments due from the Dharavi redevelopment project was not reflected in the BMC budget. He questioned why builders and industrialists were being given exemptions, while ordinary citizens face strict penalties for non-payment of utility bills.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also took a dig at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that the BMC’s report exposed his false claims about road development. According to the budget, only 26% of road works have been completed, contradicting the government’s promises of making Mumbai pothole-free.

Reiterating his allegations of corruption, Thackeray called the 2023 and 2024 road projects a scam, claiming that funds were diverted to contractors close to the Shinde faction.

Thackeray also highlighted disproportionate allocations in the BMC budget, noting that while ₹1,000 crore was given to BEST, the civic body allocated ₹5,000 crore to MMRDA and ₹4,000 crore for the North Bound Coastal Road. He argued that MSRDC should be paying BMC for these projects instead of using taxpayer money.

He further accused MSRDC officials of profiting from delayed infrastructure projects, leading to inflated costs.

Summing up his criticism, Thackeray claimed that Mumbai residents were suffering due to dug-up roads, rising pollution, water contamination, and inflation, while receiving no benefits from the central budget.

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