Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, visited Dharavi in Mumbai to interact with artisans and representatives of small-scale industries ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Dharavi, known as one of Asia’s largest slums, has become a focal point in the election discourse due to its ongoing redevelopment projects. During his visit, Gandhi criticised industrialist Gautam Adani's involvement in these projects, claiming that corporate control over Mumbai’s land and resources poses a threat to the city’s unique character and public welfare.
In a press conference, Gandhi accused Adani of benefiting disproportionately from redevelopment projects, particularly in Dharavi. He alleged that this reflects a larger issue of billionaires taking control of Mumbai’s valuable land, potentially diverting resources away from the needs of ordinary citizens.
According to Gandhi, this shift in focus could fundamentally alter Mumbai’s socio-economic fabric. He described the Maharashtra assembly elections as a clash of ideologies, emphasising that the Congress Party's priorities lie with farmers, workers, and the unemployed rather than large corporations.
Gandhi outlined several key promises the Congress Party aims to deliver if it comes to power in the state. These include financial support for women, with a monthly allowance of ₹3,000 and free bus travel, along with relief measures for farmers, such as waiving loans up to ₹3 lakh.
He also promised a guaranteed minimum price of ₹7,000 per quintal for soybeans and measures to stabilise onion prices. These proposals, Gandhi stated, are designed to address critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and farmer distress.
During his interaction with Dharavi artisans, Gandhi received handcrafted gifts, symbolising the contributions of this community to Mumbai’s cultural and economic landscape. The artisans’ work reflects the resilience and creativity of Dharavi’s residents, which Gandhi highlighted as integral to the city’s identity.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance style by mocking his slogan “Ek hain to safe hain” (United, We Are Safe). As part of the critique, Gandhi theatrically presented a safe during his press conference, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s policies disproportionately benefit a few wealthy individuals at the expense of the broader public.
The campaign trail in Maharashtra is heating up as both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) vie for voters’ attention. With 288 assembly seats up for grabs, both sides are focusing on key voter issues, ranging from development to inflation and employment. The state assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting of votes set for November 23.
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