Mumbai: Correspondent
Raising a strong concern over repeated complaints of Marathi-speaking individuals being denied housing in Mumbai, Minister Shambhuraj Desai warned that strict action would be taken against developers found guilty of such discrimination. Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Desai assured the House that the rights of Marathi people in the city would be safeguarded.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Milind Narvekar had brought the issue to the council’s attention through a starred question. He highlighted instances where Marathi individuals were denied housing and also mentioned that the organization Parle Pancham has demanded 50% housing reservation for Marathi-speaking people in Mumbai.
Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Desai stated that a policy is being formulated to ensure preferential housing for Marathi people in Mumbai. He informed the House that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, will soon hold deliberations to draft the policy.
"No one has the authority to deny housing to Marathi people in Mumbai or its suburbs. If such complaints are received, strict legal action will be taken against the offenders," Desai asserted, adding emphatically that "Marathi people have the first right in Mumbai."
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