In a firm stance, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal declared on Friday that the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport must be named after the late leader D B Patil. He accused the BJP-led state government of intentionally delaying a decision on the naming issue, despite strong public sentiment.
Public Sentiment and Historical Struggle
Sapkal emphasized the deep-rooted public demand to honour D B Patil, who was a pivotal figure in fighting for the rights of local residents impacted by regional development projects. He highlighted that the people of Navi Mumbai had sacrificed their land for progress, and Patil's long struggle was instrumental in securing their welfare.
The 12.5 per cent land compensation scheme, a crucial benefit for project-affected locals, became a reality primarily due to the movement led by D B Patil, Sapkal stated. He underscored that Patil's contributions, as a former MLA and MP, to the development of Navi Mumbai, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), and the airport itself are undeniable and should be recognized.
Congress to Join Protest, Rejects Any Other Name
The state Congress chief announced that the party will actively participate in a protest organized by local bodies on December 22 to press for the demand. He left no room for ambiguity, asserting, "Under no circumstances will we accept any other name" for the airport.
This declaration comes as the greenfield airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October, is scheduled to begin commercial operations from December 25. Sapkal pointed to the use of the initials "NM Airport" and their appearance on the boundary wall, fueling speculation that the government might plan to name the facility after PM Modi. He revealed that Congress MPs have already raised the issue in the Lok Sabha and plan to do so in the Rajya Sabha as well.
Contrast with Government Assurance and Question on NCP MLA
Sapkal's accusations create a direct contrast with the earlier assurance given by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had stated that the airport would indeed be named after D B Patil. The Congress leader's remarks imply a lack of trust in the government's follow-through on this promise.
In a related critique, 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 or disqualified as a legislator, even three days after being sentenced to two years' imprisonment in a cheating and forgery case. Sapkal alleged that the arrest was being delayed under the pretext of medical treatment, while action against opposition leaders is often swift.
The naming of the Navi Mumbai International Airport has thus become a significant political flashpoint, intertwining issues of regional identity, recognition of grassroots leadership, and allegations of partisan delay by the ruling dispensation.
