Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader, on Monday (November 18) visited Dharavi, Mumbai’s largest slum, to meet with local artisans and small-scale industry representatives. The visit comes ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the political battle is heating up. Gandhi used the occasion to criticise the growing influence of industrialist Gautam Adani in the city, particularly concerning the controversial redevelopment projects in Dharavi.

During his interaction with the local community, Gandhi highlighted the contributions of artisans to Mumbai’s cultural and economic landscape, underscoring the importance of supporting small-scale industries in the city’s development. The Congress leader was presented with handmade crafts by artisans, which brought attention to their significant role in the economy.

Corporate Control of Mumbai’s Land Under Fire
At a press conference following his meeting, Gandhi took aim at the corporate control over Mumbai’s land and resources, specifically targeting Adani’s involvement in the redevelopment of Dharavi. He warned that such corporate domination could drastically change the city’s character and harm public welfare.

Gandhi described the upcoming Maharashtra election as a contest of ideologies, pitting the interests of a few billionaires against the common people. “This election is a contest between 1-2 billionaires and the poor,” Gandhi said. “The billionaires want Mumbai’s land to go into their hands. An estimated Rs 1 lakh crore could be handed to a single billionaire.” Gandhi stressed that Congress’ focus is on supporting Maharashtra’s farmers, the underprivileged, the unemployed, and youth in need of assistance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Key Poll Promises for Maharashtra
Gandhi outlined Congress’s main promises for the Maharashtra polls, addressing key issues such as employment, inflation, and the welfare of women and farmers. One of the major proposals was financial support for women, with the promise of Rs 3,000 per month for every woman, along with free bus rides. Additionally, the Congress leader pledged a loan waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh for farmers, as well as a guaranteed price of Rs 7,000 per quintal for soybeans and assurances for onion prices.

Gandhi’s emphasis on women’s empowerment and farmers’ welfare stands as one of Congress’s key electoral promises as they seek to gain the support of the state’s rural and urban voters.

Mocking Modi’s “Ek Hain to Safe Hain” Slogan
Earlier in the day, Gandhi mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek hain to safe hain” slogan, which translates to “If we are united, we are safe,” by bringing a safe to his press conference in Dharavi. Gandhi suggested that the slogan was part of a strategy to ensure the acquisition of vast tracts of land through the Dharavi redevelopment project, a project that Gandhi claims benefits Adani and other corporate interests at the expense of the poor residents of Dharavi.

He revealed two posters from the safe, one featuring a picture of Adani and Modi with the caption “Ek hain to safe hain,” and another showing a map of the Dharavi redevelopment project. Gandhi accused the government of manipulating the process to benefit the business tycoon and claimed that the interests of Dharavi’s residents were being sidelined to favour Adani.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project Under Scrutiny
The controversial Dharavi redevelopment project has been a focal point of political discourse in the lead-up to the elections. Gandhi criticised the tendering process, alleging that it was designed to favour Adani’s business interests. The Congress leader claimed that the redevelopment project, which is estimated to be worth Rs 1 lakh crore, could be handed over to a single billionaire, threatening to displace the poor residents of Dharavi. Gandhi promised that, if elected, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would ensure that Dharavi’s land rights were returned to its rightful residents.

A Battle for the Poor and Marginalised
Gandhi concluded his statements by reiterating that the Congress party, as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, would prioritise the interests of the marginalised and underprivileged in Maharashtra. He also accused central agencies of pressuring industrialists to surrender their projects to government-favoured business figures, further intensifying concerns over corporate influence in politics.

Election Campaign Heats Up in Maharashtra
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, the political race has intensified. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are vying for voter support. Gandhi’s remarks against Adani’s influence and his promises of financial support for women and farmers have set the tone for Congress’s campaign in the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Rahul Gandhi visited Dharavi to meet with artisans and small-scale industries.
  • Gandhi criticized Gautam Adani’s growing influence in Mumbai, particularly his involvement in Dharavi’s redevelopment.
  • Congress’s promises focus on supporting women, farmers, and addressing employment issues.
  • Gandhi mocked PM Modi’s “Ek hain to safe hain” slogan, accusing it of being linked to corporate interests in the Dharavi redevelopment project.
  • The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, with the counting of votes on November 23.

As campaigning heats up, the battle for Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats is set to become one of the most fiercely contested elections in the state’s history.

(With agency inputs)