Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 5: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Monday stirred controversy by alleging that certain builders are conspiring to allot redeveloped housing units meant for Hindus to Muslims in Mumbai's Jogeshwari area, in what he termed as "housing jihad."

Addressing a press conference, Nirupam claimed that the intent behind this alleged move was to change the city’s demographic balance. “Builders have conspired to hand over houses belonging to Hindus to Muslims in two slum redevelopment projects in Jogeshwari. This is an attempt to alter Mumbai’s population composition,” he said.

According to him, the number of houses in the Paradise Zone of the Jogeshwari-Oshiwara area increased from 44 to 95 post redevelopment, with all 51 additional houses reportedly being allotted to Muslims. He further alleged that 30 of these flats have been registered under the names of two sons of a builder, Abdul Gani Kitabullah.

Nirupam also claimed that the locality, once predominantly Hindu, has now become Muslim-majority as Muslim families have been purchasing redeveloped properties earlier owned by Hindus.

In a similar case, he pointed to the Shri Shankar Slum Redevelopment Scheme, where the original 67 housing units had only six Muslim families. After redevelopment, the number of houses rose to 123, and the newly added units were allegedly sold exclusively to Muslims.

He further alleged that in the process, a Ganesh temple and a Devi mandap that once stood on the land were removed, and a madrasa was constructed in their place.

No official response from the builders or civic authorities was available at the time of reporting.