Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 28: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday strongly :: defended the Bharatiya Janata Party’s acquisition of land near Churchgate station for its new regional headquarters, rejecting allegations of irregularities and misuse of power.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis clarified that the party had purchased the property through private channels using its own funds. “We decided not to seek government land but to acquire private land. Manoj Kotak found this land. We bought it with our party funds, following all legal procedures and public notifications. Those accustomed to grabbing land should not question us,” he said.

His remarks came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging that the BJP had used undue influence to secure the plot. Raut, who also posted his letter on social media, claimed that the party acquired the land — originally reserved for residential purposes — through “abuse of power and manipulation of rules.”

Raut alleged that “Eknath Realtors,” the builder involved, transferred the property to the BJP in a hasty 11-day process, paying a transfer premium of Rs 21.25 crore. He further claimed that the BJP paid an additional Rs 8.11 crore to complete the land transfer, which was approved by the BMC in record time.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar joined the criticism, asserting that the land belonged to the Maharashtra Housing Finance Corporation and that it was leased for 99 years before being declared unsafe and demolished. Pawar demanded clarification from the BMC Commissioner on whether leased “Schedule W” plots could be sold without renewal.

Raut’s letter to Shah also detailed the property’s history, stating that Vasani Chambers — jointly owned by the BMC and the Vasani family — was originally leased in 1902, with the lease expiring in 2001. He alleged that the property was mortgaged multiple times without municipal permission and that its ownership was transferred through questionable means.

Responding to the accusations, Fadnavis asserted that the BJP had followed all due process and transparency. “We do not live in a glass house. Those who throw stones should look at their own record first,” he warned. He added that construction of the new party headquarters would begin soon and is expected to be completed within two to two-and-a-half years.

The BJP leader also said the party was using only the required floor space index (FSI) and urged party workers to contribute to the building fund.

The controversy has added fresh political heat ahead of the upcoming civic and assembly elections in Maharashtra, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of favoritism and the BJP maintaining that the transaction was entirely legal and transparent.