In a rare show of agreement, Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Milind Deora of Congress, rivals in the upcoming assembly elections, united in advocating for a more empowered Mumbai mayor and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Speaking at a town hall event, both politicians highlighted the challenge of coordination among multiple agencies overseeing Mumbai’s development.
Thackeray emphasized the need to centralize town-planning authority under the BMC, criticizing the involvement of several agencies like MHADA, SRA, and MMRDA in redevelopment projects. He pointed to his own experience with the Mahim Fort rejuvenation, where lack of coordination among authorities led to stalled progress. He also called for better accountability in agencies like MMRDA, which he said should operate outside the city, leaving local governance to an empowered BMC.
Deora echoed Thackeray’s sentiment, advocating for a directly elected or empowered mayor with a clear vision for Mumbai’s growth. He stressed the importance of cooperation between state and central agencies, particularly the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA), to unlock the potential of port lands. Deora also underscored the role of infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link and expanded metro lines in driving long-term economic growth for the city.
Both leaders, though with differing political backgrounds, agree on one crucial point: an empowered mayor and BMC are essential for the city’s future development. With the elections approaching, their shared vision may shape Mumbai’s political discourse.
 and Milind Deora of Congress, rivals in the upcoming assembly elections, united in advocating for a more empowered Mumbai mayor and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).){kind=link}