MUMBAI — During a spirited public meeting organised by the Dharavi Bachao Andolan on Sunday evening, Shiv Sena’s youth wing chief Aditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of planning to transfer Waqf lands to industrialist Adani through the newly proposed Waqf Bill. Thackeray assured the gathering that Shiv Sena (UBT) would safeguard their rights, promising that “not a single Dharavi resident will be forced to leave.”

Addressing the audience alongside Member of Parliament Anil Desai, Thackeray criticised the ongoing tender process in Dharavi, alleging that 2,000 acres of Mumbai land had been handed over to Adani in exchange for 600 acres in Dharavi. “Once the Maha Vikas Aghadi government is formed, a new tender will be issued, Adani’s contract will be cancelled, and each resident will be given a 500-square-foot house,” Thackeray declared.

Thackeray engaged the audience by questioning who held influence over key political figures. “Who is Modi’s master?” he asked, to which the crowd responded, “Adani.” He repeated the question for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, receiving the same answer.

Severely criticising the Modi administration, he said the new Waqf Bill has been introduced so that Waqf lands can be handed over to Adani.” Thackeray further criticised the government’s social schemes, suggesting that they were insufficient. “They are giving only ₹1,500 to women under the Ladli Behan scheme, while substantial amounts are being directed to Shinde’s MLAs.”

Anil Desai expressed his commitment to defending Dharavi’s residents. “The people of Dharavi have trusted us, and we will stand by them as their protectors,” Desai said. He also urged law enforcement not to remove local hawkers, an issue of concern for many residents.