Opposition members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly vigorously criticized the state government, led by Eknath Shinde, over the Dharavi redevelopment project, alleging undue favoritism towards the Adani Group. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, representing the Dharavi constituency, and Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve, along with other opposition legislators, took to the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan during the winter session in Nagpur to voice their concerns. Slogans like ‘Dharavi vachva, laghu udyog vachva’ (Save Dharavi, save small-scale industries) echoed their protest.
Dharavi, a sprawling slum in Mumbai, is a hub for numerous small-scale, unorganized industries ranging from medicine to leather, footwear, and clothing. The Adani Group secured the 259-hectare Dharavi redevelopment project in November through competitive bidding, raising questions about the government’s commitment to the residents and local businesses.
