Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has launched a sharp attack on the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, alleging that its newly announced regulatory framework for old 'pagdi' system buildings is a disguised plan to evict occupants from Mumbai for the benefit of landlords and real estate developers.
Allegations of a Hidden Agenda
During a press conference held on Monday, Thackeray claimed the government's real intention is not redevelopment but displacement. He accused the administration of trying to drive away lakhs of Mumbaikars living in these traditional tenancy homes. The young leader termed the 'pagdi-mukt Mumbai' slogan displayed on banners by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as "deceiving," asserting it masks a plan to push residents out of the city.
"There have been instances where buildings are in a dilapidated condition and they are trying to throw the occupants out. The announcement by the housing minister was made for land owners and builders," Thackeray alleged. He demanded that all current tenants in these buildings be declared legal occupants and granted protection against eviction.
The Policy Announcement and Tenant Rights
The controversy stems from an announcement made last week by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also holds the housing portfolio. Shinde described the new regulatory framework for redeveloping pagdi system buildings as a "historic decision" aimed at eventually making Mumbai free of such aging structures.
Shinde explained the rationale, stating that while some such buildings have been redeveloped, several have collapsed, and nearly 13,000 structures are awaiting reconstruction. He highlighted the long-standing conflict: tenants are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, while landlords complain they don't get fair compensation due to tenants' extensive rights.
However, Thackeray challenged the policy's fairness. "The new policy states that the occupants will get the same (carpet) area (after redevelopment). Why should they not get more space if the building or residential premises gets redeveloped?" he questioned.
Political Accusations and Broader Demands
Escalating his criticism, Thackeray declared, "This is not a people's government," and labeled the BJP as the "Builder Janata Party." The announcement comes ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, making it a potent political issue.
Beyond the pagdi system, Thackeray also raised another infrastructure hurdle. He demanded that high-frequency defence radars in Mumbai be relocated, noting that existing norms around them are hampering the redevelopment of surrounding areas.
The 'pagdi system' is a traditional rent control model that shaped housing in south and central Mumbai for decades. Under it, a tenant makes an upfront payment and pays nominal rent, gaining near-lifelong occupancy rights, along with the ability to sublet or sell the tenancy. However, the system's opacity and complex rights have often stalled redevelopment efforts, leaving thousands of buildings in a precarious state.
