🔴 By | Sonal Sharma
Mumbai: Former Mumbai Deputy Mayor and Shiv Sena leader Babubhai Bhavanji has praised the ongoing anti-encroachment action being carried out by the Mahayuti government and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, saying that significant areas of land have been freed from encroachments following the civic elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bhavanji drew a comparison between Mumbai and developments in New York City, claiming that changes in urban governance and political leadership can have a wider impact on investment, businesses and migration. He alleged that a similar political experiment was being planned for Mumbai during the recent municipal elections.
🟡 ‘Mumbai could have faced a serious challenge’
Bhavanji said that if Mumbaikars had voted on emotional issues and appeals based only on Marathi identity, the city could have witnessed the expansion of areas affected by unauthorised settlements.
He claimed that over the past 25 years, a substantial portion of Mumbai’s land has been occupied by slums and alleged that illegal immigration had also contributed to demographic and security concerns. He used strong political language, referring to the possibility of “mini-Pakistans” developing in parts of Mumbai.
These remarks are part of Bhavanji’s political assessment and allegations; the figures and claims regarding illegal immigrants and settlements would require independent official verification.
🟡 25 acres freed from encroachments, claims Bhavanji
According to Bhavanji, approximately 25 acres of land in Malvani and Mankhurd have been cleared of encroachments during the past four months. He said the action was not restricted to Bandra’s Rajiv Gandhi Garib Nagar and claimed that Nargis Dutt Nagar would also face action soon.
He further said that strong action has begun at several locations along railway lines in Mumbai. According to him, steps are also being taken regarding the large slum settlement near Mumbai Airport, a process which he said had begun in August 2025 under the supervision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
🟡 ‘This is more than an anti-encroachment drive’
Bhavanji said the current action should not be viewed merely as a campaign against encroachments. In his view, the Mahayuti government is attempting to reclaim public and government land that has been occupied over the years.
He credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale for the political direction behind the action and thanked Mahayuti voters, supporters, workers and office-bearers.
Bhavanji also congratulated Mumbaikars for their voting decision, saying that the impact of the election mandate was becoming visible within four months.
He concluded that the current action was “only the beginning”, indicating that the administration could intensify its anti-encroachment campaign across Mumbai in the coming period.
