Housing Jihad Controversy in Mumbai's Slum Redevelopment Projects

On Monday, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Nirupam accused builders of engaging in a 'housing jihad' by deliberately reassessing homes in two slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai's Jogeshwari to Muslims. At a press conference, Nirupam claimed these actions are an attempt to shift the city's demographic balance.

Nirupam highlighted the Paradise Zone of Jogeshwari-Oshiwara, where housing increased from 44 to 95 units after redevelopment, with all 51 newly constructed homes allegedly designated for Muslims. He further alleged that some homes were under the names of builder Abdul Gani Kitabullah's sons, marking a demographic tilt in the locality.

The Shri Shankar Slum Redevelopment Scheme experienced a similar shift, with its housing count rising from 67 to 123 units, reportedly filling the additions with Muslim occupants. Nirupam criticized the removal of a Ganesh temple and Devi mandap, replaced by a madrasa, intensifying religious transformation concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)