With just a week left for polling in the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on the incumbent administration, promising a new era of rapid development if the ruling alliance is voted to power. Addressing a significant rally at Central Park in Nalasopara East on Friday, Fadnavis outlined a comprehensive plan for the region's future.
Contrasting Visions for Vasai Virar's Future
The rally saw the presence of key local leaders and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, underscoring the importance of the VVCMC polls for the ruling MahaYuti alliance of BJP and Shiv Sena. They are contesting against the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA), Congress, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). Fadnavis began by thanking voters for the clear mandate in the recent assembly elections for the three Vasai Virar seats.
He then launched a scathing critique of the corporation's performance, stating, "In the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), VVCMC is the only corporation which has witnessed development at a very slow pace." He accused the previous administration of using the civic body "as an ATM," a charge often used to imply fund mismanagement. In a direct appeal to voters, he promised, "Once elected, Development will be like Virar Fast!"
Infrastructure Promises and Policy Announcements
Fadnavis detailed a slew of infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the region's connectivity and urban landscape. A major highlight was the announcement of metro connectivity from Shivaji Chowk, Mira Road, to Vasai Virar, which would significantly ease the daily commute to Mumbai for residents. He also announced a new railway station to be built between Virar and Nalasopara.
Addressing the pervasive issue of illegal construction, the Chief Minister acknowledged the pain of demolitions and stated his government is creating a new cluster policy to help the poor obtain legal homes. On the larger economic front, he linked Vasai Virar's prospects to the upcoming Vadhavan port in Dahanu, Palghar district, stating the region would benefit from its all-round development.
In a significant revelation, Fadnavis said, "We have appointed a consultant to check the feasibility test if an airport can come up in Virar or Vadhavan." He also reaffirmed the continuation of the popular 'Ladki Bahin' scheme.
Strategic Moves in Neighbouring Mira Bhayandar
Later, at a separate rally in Mira Bhayandar, where the MahaYuti alliance is not in place, Fadnavis made another key announcement. He declared that immediately after the elections, the car shed project at Dongri would be scrapped to prevent the felling of a large number of trees, a move likely aimed at addressing environmental concerns in that area.
The political stakes are high in VVCMC. The 2015 corporation election results were a landslide for the BVA, which won 106 of the 115 seats. The BJP managed only 1 seat, while the Shiv Sena won 5, Congress 1, and Independents 2. Fadnavis's aggressive campaign and detailed promises signal a determined bid by the state's ruling coalition to dramatically alter this political equation and gain control of the civic body.
