Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed on Saturday that the next Mayor of Mumbai will emerge from the MahaYuti coalition and will embody the identity of being both Hindu and Marathi.

In a direct challenge to the Uddhav-Raj Thackeray alliance, Fadnavis promised a Marathi-Hindu Mayor to counter the emotional resonance of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, ensuring the BJP's core Hindutva voters remain engaged. He dismissed the notion of the Thackeray brand, stating that its legacy ended with Balasaheb Thackeray, as today's electorate prioritizes development and security over familial heritage.

Speaking at the joint rally of MahaYuti to launch the campaign for the BMC elections, Fadnavis linked the deportation of illegal immigrants directly to the safety of Mumbai. He emphasized the need for the 'cleansing' of unauthorized residents to ensure that the city's resources—such as housing and water—are preserved for legitimate citizens and mill workers.

Fadnavis asserted that identifying and deporting illegal Bangladeshi nationals is not merely a political commitment but a security necessity. He mentioned that the government has enhanced AI-based tracking systems to efficiently identify and remove individuals lacking valid documentation, specifically asserting that Mumbai will be safe for its original residents.

Addressing the enduring housing crisis, he announced a shift from mere lotteries. He proposed a new framework where the state will guarantee housing loans for mill workers, effectively ensuring that every eligible worker secures their home.

He explicitly stated that the decades-long waiting period is nearing its end. He criticized Uddhav Thackeray for not utilizing the BMC deposits in banks to provide housing for textile workers.

Fadnavis criticized Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray for attempting to take credit for Mumbai’s significant infrastructure initiatives, such as the Coastal Road and Atal Setu. He accused Uddhav Thackeray of hindering several essential infrastructure projects initiated by the BJP-led government, which were ultimately completed in the last two and a half years.

Fadnavis reiterated his ambitious vision to transform Mumbai into a '59-minute city' by 2029. He pointed out that with the Aqua Line (Metro 3) and upcoming phases of the 411 km network, commuters will soon traverse the city in under an hour.

He officially shifted the focus towards sustainable development with the Green Mumbai initiative.

“Mumbai has emerged as the first city in South Asia to institutionalize climate budgeting,” he noted, adding that he is committing Rs 17,000 crore (38% of the BMC’s capital expenditure) specifically for green projects.

To combat pollution, the government is now monitoring over 1,000 construction sites in real-time to ensure compliance with dust and air quality standards.

He framed these initiatives as a tangible strategy for making Mumbai Net Zero by 2050.

Fadnavis indicated that MahaYuti is promoting a platform of “Development + Security + Identity”. By correlating the deportation of illegal immigrants with housing availability for mill workers, he aims to create a unified narrative of 'Justice for Mumbai's original residents'.