At the Loksatta Loksamvad programme, Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed concerns and made several allegations regarding urban governance and the future of Mumbai.
Thackeray asserted that funds allocated for Mumbai had not translated into civic improvements, specifically alleging that these funds did not reach local elected representatives. He referenced cities under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governance—citing Indore for contaminated water deaths and Delhi and Gandhinagar for infrastructure struggles—as examples of deteriorating basic infrastructure. Thackeray characterized the BJP as an effective opposition party but questioned its capability in government.
He further alleged intentions to 'break up Mumbai,' drawing a parallel with Chandigarh's direct central control and suggesting a similar plan for Mumbai. According to Thackeray, handing control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to the BJP would lead to the city's key functions falling into the hands of "corporate interests like Adani."
Emphasizing Mumbai's identity as belonging to Marathi people, Thackeray also expressed concern about the potential 'dismantling' of the public transport system (BEST), questioning its implications for commuters and accusing the BJP of attempting to "finish off" the city.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/responds-to-indian-express-report-sena-ubt-leader-launches-sharp-attack-on-bjp-10466943/