BJP to seek CM's help to restore land lease renewal

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena's rejection of the land lease renewal policy in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not gone down well with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Determined to pass the policy at all costs before the municipal polls, BJP has now decided to seek the intervention of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the matter.

Shiv Sena on Wednesday turned down the policy for renewal of lease for properties, which have been given on lease by BMC. The civic body has prepared a policy, under which the plots that were earlier leased at nominal rates will now be given at ready reckoner rates.

The civic improvements committee headed by BJP, had passed the policy earlier. However, Sena rejected the proposal in the civic general body meeting causing a jolt to its alliance partner. With the state government already giving its green signal for the lease renewal of 'Schedule W' properties, it has now become a prestige issue for BJP to push through the policy. 'Schedule W' properties are ones that belong to the state government, but are given on lease by the municipal corporations.

"We will write a letter to the CM asking him to intervene in the matter and give directions to the municipal commissioner accordingly. It is very necessary for the city that the policy is passed before the polls so that redevelopment of plots, whose lease has expired, is not delayed," said Improvements Committee chairman Prakash Gangadhare.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar had alleged that Sena had rejected the land lease renewal policy to benefit select builders. "The move has deprived 80 per cent Marathi people, who have been living on these lands, an opportunity of redevelopment," he said on Thursday.