The political battle over naming the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport has intensified. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Friday issued a strong demand, insisting the facility must be named after the late leader D B Patil and accusing the BJP-led state government of deliberately delaying the decision.
Public Sentiment and Historical Struggle
Addressing the media, Sapkal emphasized the strong public sentiment in the region favouring D B Patil's name. He highlighted Patil's legacy of fighting for the rights of local residents, often called 'sons of the soil', who were affected by major development projects.
"The people of Navi Mumbai gave their land for development," Sapkal stated. He credited D B Patil for leading a prolonged struggle that eventually made the 12.5% land compensation scheme a reality for project-affected families. Sapkal argued that the contributions of Patil, who served as both an MLA and MP from the area, cannot be overlooked.
Congress to Join Protest, Rejects Any Other Name
The Congress leader announced that his party will actively participate in a protest organized by local groups on December 22. The sole aim of this demonstration is to pressure the government into finalizing the airport's name as the D B Patil International Airport.
"Under no circumstances will we accept any other name," Sapkal declared firmly. He expressed suspicion over the use of the initials "NM Airport" on site boundary walls, suggesting it could be a precursor to naming the airport after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes despite an earlier assurance from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the airport would indeed be named after D B Patil.
Sapkal confirmed that Congress MPs have already raised this issue in the Lok Sabha and plan to pursue it in the Rajya Sabha as well, keeping the pressure on the central government.
Airport Timeline and a Separate Legal Query
The demand gains urgency as the Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to begin commercial operations on December 25. The naming controversy threatens to cast a shadow over its inaugural phase.
Shifting to another issue, Sapkal also questioned the state government's handling of a legal case involving NCP MLA Manikrao Kokate. He asked why Kokate had not been arrested and disqualified as a legislator, even three days after being sentenced to two years' imprisonment in a cheating and forgery case.
Sapkal alleged that while the arrest was being delayed on the pretext of medical treatment, action against opposition leaders is often swift and immediate, pointing to a perceived bias in the system.
