Escalating its pro-Marathi stance, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded 40 per cent reservation in housing stock for Marathi-speaking people in all redevelopment projects across the state. In response, the Mahayuti government, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, has assured action against anyone who refuses to sell flats to Marathi-speaking people and mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both deputy chief ministers would jointly review the demand for the policy on the proposed housing quota.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Milind Narvekar and Anil Parab had raised the reservation issue during a question hour session in the state Legislative Council on Thursday. Parab mentioned that rapid urbanisation was happening and redevelopment was taking place across the city and Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
“For many Marathi families, big flats, ranging from 2000 square feet to 3000 square feet, are unaffordable. Hence, the government should come up with a policy where it will be mandatory for the developer to reserve 40 per cent of the total stock for Marathi-speaking people,” Parab said, suggesting that the flat size of the reserve stock should be measuring between 500 square feet and 750 square feet, which would be within reach for Maharashtrian families.
Last week, Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came together to raise their voice against injustice towards Marathi and Maharashtra. The Marathi Victory Rally was organised to celebrate the cancellation of three-language Government Resolution (GR) in the education system in all schools across the state. Many critics believed the GR was attempting to give a backdoor push to Hindi. In fact, an incident where a Mira Road shopkeeper was slapped by MNS activists, too, was hailed by the Thackeray cousins.
Alleged discrimination
During the discussion on Thursday, Hemant Patil of the Shinde Sena and Sachin Ahir of the Sena (UBT) claimed hurdles were being created by a wealthy community, making buying flats a difficult task for Marathi people. Patil stated that the situation on the ground was grave. “When I visited a housing society in Mumbai once, I was asked whether I eat garlic and onion,” Patil said.
Replying to queries raised during the discussion, Shambhuraj Desai, minister in the Mahayuti government, categorically mentioned that any kind of ill treatment towards Marathi people would not be tolerated. “Stern action will be taken if any developer or those selling flats are denying apartments to Marathi people,” Desai added.
Despite this assurance, Opposition members insisted on a policy that would ensure 40 per cent reservation for Marathi speakers in housing stock. This discussion led to a heated argument, following which Deputy Chairperson of the Council Neelam Gorhe adjourned the House for ten minutes. Later, when the proceedings resumed, Desai announced that the chief minister and both of his deputies would jointly review the demand for policy on the proposed housing quota.
