Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS Oppose Bihar Bhavan Construction in Mumbai

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have strongly opposed the Bihar government’s plan to build a 30-storey ‘Bihar Bhavan’ on a plot owned by the Mumbai Port Authority, saying the vacant land should be used to create amenities for residents of the city.

The systematic grabbing of land in Mumbai has begun, immediately after the civic polls, senior Shiv Sena leader Vinayak Raut said on Monday. We won’t be surprised if tomorrow Gujarat Bhavan is built in the Bandra Kurla Complex. This would not be acceptable.

In its manifesto for the recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Sena (UBT) had proposed to build a new business district and recreational spaces on vacant land in south and south central Mumbai. The Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance bagged 70 seats in the poll.

Shortly after the civic polls, the Bihar government announced its plans to build a state guest house in Elephant Estate in the Port Authority area to accommodate visiting officials and cancer patients. The Bihar cabinet, as per media reports, has approved ₹314.20 crore for the same.

The opposition from the Sena (UBT) and MNS is rooted in the belief that the land should be utilized for the benefit of Mumbai’s residents, rather than being allocated to out-of-state projects. The vacant land in Mumbai is a precious resource, and the parties are advocating for its use in ways that directly benefit the city’s population, such as building parks, recreational areas, and affordable housing.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between state-level interests and local governance, particularly in a city as densely populated as Mumbai. The Mumbai Port Authority plot, located in a prime area, is seen as a potential site for significant development that could address the city’s pressing infrastructure and housing needs.

The Sena (UBT) and MNS have called for a broader public debate on the matter, emphasizing the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes. They argue that the Bihar Bhavan project should be put on hold until a comprehensive plan for the land’s use is developed with input from the local community and civic bodies.

The opposition’s stance is also influenced by the recent civic polls, where the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance made significant gains. The parties are keen to follow through on their election promises and ensure that the city’s resources are used in a manner that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the residents.

As the debate continues, the Bihar government will need to address the concerns raised by the opposition and provide a clear rationale for the Bihar Bhavan project. The outcome of this controversy could have broader implications for how land is allocated and managed in Mumbai, a city where every square foot is a valuable commodity.