Mumbai: The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has welcomed the BMC budget presented by BMC administrator Bhushan Gagrani, highlighting its progressive and development-oriented emphasis. However, opposition parties have voiced concerns, suggesting that the budget unfairly targets shopkeepers.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the budget, stating, “We are committed to making Mumbai pollution-free, pothole-free and corruption-free.” Shinde also congratulated Gagrani for presenting the significant budget without imposing any additional tax burdens on the citizens.
Shinde took a subtle jab at the opposition Shiv Sena(UBT), saying, “Those who have always viewed Mumbai as a golden goose and exploited it will now understand what true development means.”
This budget marks the beginning of a "modern Mumbai," with a focus on education, healthcare, sanitation, and facilities benefiting everyone from students to workers and entrepreneurs, the deputy CM said.
However, Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has strongly criticised the budget proposals, accusing the BJP-appointed administrator of unfairly targeting shopkeepers in slum areas. Thackeray labeled the proposed tax on these shopkeepers as “highly unjust,” claiming it was a move made solely to benefit one favourite businessman of the government. He further pointed out the contrast between this measure and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's decision under Uddhav Thackeray to eliminate property taxes for properties up to 500 sq ft.
Thackeray also expressed concerns about the BMC's proposed user fee on garbage collection. This proposal comes at a time when the BMC plans to spend Rs 2,500 crore to clean up the Deonar landfill. Thackeray praised the BMC Commissioner for exposing the lies of Shinde, who had claimed that 100% of roadworks would be completed within two years. According to the BMC, only 26% of the work is complete.
The Shiv Sena leader (UBT) accused the government of running a 'road scam' in 2023 and 2024, designed to siphon off funds meant for Mumbai into the pockets of contractors connected to political allies. Thackeray also highlighted the disparity in funding allocations, noting that the BMC had allocated just Rs 1,000 crore to BEST services, while much larger sums were directed toward other projects.
