Mumbai, Dec 22 (NationPress) Former Rajya Sabha member and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam stated on Sunday that the Bombay High Court's ruling concerning the Adani Group's involvement in the 'Dharavi Redevelopment Project' is a significant rebuke to both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). He asserted that the Adani Group possesses the capability to complete the necessary work on the project.
Nirupam's remarks followed the Bombay High Court's recent affirmation of the Maharashtra government's decision to award the tender to the Adani Group for the 'Dharavi Redevelopment Project' in Mumbai, indicating that the decision was both fair and legitimate.
In a conversation with IANS on Sunday, Nirupam remarked: "The High Court's ruling is a strong rebuke to the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT. Both parties have continuously made allegations of irregularities in the government's decision-making and have accused it of favoritism towards the Adani Group. However, the High Court's ruling clarifies that everything was conducted lawfully and without irregularities."
Continuing his criticism of Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, Nirupam emphasized that these parties must recognize that Dharavi is a vital residential hub in Mumbai.
"In Dharavi, there are numerous shanties, and residents are forced to endure substandard living conditions. Efforts are underway to enhance their quality of life," Nirupam noted.
He pointed out that although plans for Dharavi's redevelopment have been discussed for years, no government has successfully executed the project.
"The Adani Group has expressed interest in the redevelopment initiative and possesses the strength and capability to bring the project to fruition," Nirupam stated, urging the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT to reconsider their positions and facilitate the successful completion of the redevelopment effort so that the residents of Dharavi can experience an improved lifestyle.
The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition challenging the Maharashtra government's decision regarding the Dharavi redevelopment project, reinforcing the tender awarded to Adani Properties Private Limited.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar dismissed the petition from UAE-based Seclink Technologies Corporation, asserting: "The arguments presented in the petition lack substance and merit. The challenge to the government's action of canceling the previous tender and issuing a new one is unsubstantiated."
The Adani Group emerged as the highest bidder for the 259-hectare Dharavi Redevelopment Project, securing it with a Rs 5,069-crore offer during the 2022 tender process.
In the initial tender issued in 2018, the petitioner company had the highest bid at Rs 7,200-crore.
The Eknath Shinde government canceled the 2018 tender and issued a new one in 2022, incorporating additional conditions, including the inclusion of 45 acres of railway land for slum rehabilitation, a factor not present in the original proposal.
Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni recommended that the state government issue a new tender to reflect these changes and account for the costs associated with acquiring this land.
The state government opposed the petitioner's claims, asserting that the revised tender conditions were not arbitrary but essential for ensuring the project's financial viability.
Referencing the shifting economic landscape from 2019 to 2022, the state government justified its decision to cancel the 2018 tender and issue a new one in 2022.
