A political controversy has erupted over the redevelopment of Motilal Nagar in Mumbai after Varsha Gaikwad accused Sanjeev Jaiswal, CEO of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), of intimidating residents during a public interaction. The allegation follows the circulation of a video showing Jaiswal addressing a protester in what was described as a threatening tone.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a presentation on the Motilal Nagar redevelopment project in Goregaon (West). The resident, who was holding a placard, was questioned by Jaiswal, who also asked police personnel to verify his identity. In the video, the official is heard saying, “If you turn out to be a ghuskhor (illegal migrant), we will remove you from here itself.”
Reacting to the episode, Gaikwad claimed that authorities were being used to suppress dissent among residents opposing redevelopment and land acquisition plans. In a post on X, she stated, “Once a project goes to Adani, citizens lose all their democratic rights and cannot even protest.”
She further alleged that similar incidents of pressure and intimidation were observed during surveys related to the Dharavi redevelopment project. Referring to interactions with residents and officials, she said police personnel had issued threats to protestors and that a senior officer in Shahu Nagar behaved “rudely” with elected representatives. Raising broader concerns, Gaikwad questioned, “If a project belongs to a friend of the Prime Minister, do citizens have no rights left? What kind of dictatorship is this?”
The controversy has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Pravin Darekar of the BJP also criticised Jaiswal’s conduct, stating, “The bureaucrat’s language was inappropriate. He should apologise to the residents.”
The redevelopment project, spread over 143 acres, is being executed by the Adani Group under the Construction & Development Agency model. While some residents have opposed the project—primarily demanding larger rehabilitation homes—others have expressed support, urging authorities to proceed in the broader public interest.
As per the plan, thousands of residential and commercial occupants are set to be rehabilitated, with the project targeted for completion within seven years after approvals.
Source: Mid-day
