Aaditya Thackeray Advocates for Greater Power to Mumbai Mayor and BMC at Town Hall Event
Mumbai, 13th November 2024: On Monday, Aaditya Thackeray, sitting MLA from Shiv Sena (UBT), advocated for more power to the mayor and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at a town hall event, where he faced off with his rival, Milind Deora, from Shiv Sena. The session, focused on shaping Mumbai’s future, was organized by Mumbai First and the Mumbai Press Club, drawing in urban experts and activists.
The discussion took an unexpected turn when the candidates addressed questions separately. Both Thackeray and Deora agreed on the importance of empowering the Mumbai mayor and BMC, pointing out the difficulty in coordinating among various city and state agencies.
Thackeray, who was involved in the Mahim Fort rejuvenation project, argued that the BMC should have greater authority, particularly over land and redevelopment, without interference from other agencies like MHADA, SRA, and MMRDA. He criticized agencies such as MMRDA for lacking accountability, asserting that the BMC should be the sole authority for town planning in Mumbai.
Thackeray also focused on improving Mumbai’s infrastructure, such as better footpaths, last-mile connectivity, and revitalizing the BEST bus service. He proposed expanding the fleet to 10,000 electric buses by 2027, including 900 double-decker buses, without increasing fares. Additionally, he raised concerns about BMC’s liabilities of over ₹2 lakh crore.
Deora, in contrast, emphasized the economic potential of Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) land and the need for cooperation between central and state agencies. He proposed devolving powers to local bodies and advocated for a directly elected mayor with the authority to drive Mumbai’s governance. Deora also highlighted the city’s infrastructure projects, such as the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link and expanded metro lines, as key drivers for long-term economic growth and foreign investment.
Both candidates stressed the need for more effective and accountable local governance to address Mumbai’s urban challenges.
