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Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Wednesday alleged irregularities in the proposed allotment of a prime land parcel in Worli, claiming that the plot is being offered to a “favoured builder” at an undervalued price. She has demanded that the auction process be immediately halted, calling the deal a “scam worth crores,” reported news agency PTI.

Allegations of Undervaluation in Prime Land Deal

Gaikwad claimed that a strategically located 5,166 square metre plot in Worli is proposed to be allotted for approximately Rs 455 crore, which she described as significantly below its actual market value. According to her, such pricing could result in substantial financial losses to the civic body, reported PTI.

She alleged that the land is intended for the development of a five-star hotel, raising concerns about whether public assets are being utilised in a transparent and equitable manner.

Demand to Stop Auction Process Immediately

In a strongly worded appeal, Gaikwad urged authorities to suspend the auction process without delay. She emphasised that prime civic properties should not be disposed of in a manner that compromises public interest, reported PTI.

“Do not allot the prime Worli plot for a five-star hotel and stop the auction process immediately,” she stated, reiterating that the deal requires greater scrutiny and accountability, reported PTI.

Questions Raised Over Terms of Agreement

The Congress leader also raised concerns over the structure of the proposed agreement. She claimed that, in addition to the financial component, the municipal body would receive approximately 1,300 square metres of built-up space designated for a testing laboratory.

However, she argued that the overall arrangement appears to disproportionately benefit private developers, who stand to gain significantly from a luxury hotel project in a high-value location like Worli, reported PTI.

Allegations Against Ruling Party Intensify

Gaikwad accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of enabling the alleged deal, claiming that prime municipal assets have increasingly been put up for disposal since the party assumed control of the civic administration, reported PTI.

She further alleged that such actions amount to “selling Mumbai,” and warned that public resources must be protected from misuse.

Call for Transparency and Safeguards

Reiterating her stand, Gaikwad called for greater transparency in land allocation processes and urged authorities to implement safeguards to prevent potential losses to the municipal corporation, reported PTI.

She stressed that decisions involving high-value public land must be taken with due diligence, ensuring that the interests of Mumbai’s residents are prioritised.

(With inputs from PTI)