Known for its stand against north Indians, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) – led by Raj Thackeray, has decided to take on Mumbai’s builder lobby, largely controlled by the Gujarati and Marwari community.
The stand taken by the MNS against builders who have allegedly denied housing to people on the basis of their food preference has the support of all political parties barring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sandip Deshpande, MNS’ group leader in Mumbai Municipality has moved a notice of motion against the builders who ‘deny flats to non-vegetarians and to people of other religions.’
“I have proposed to cancel all certificates issued by the corporation to those builders or societies who discriminate on the basis of food preference and religion,” said Mr. Deshpande. The issue in the past was raised by several leaders cutting across party lines.
MNS’ arch-rival, the Shiv Sena, which is ruling the civic body along with the BJP, has extended its support. The Congress and Samajwadi Party too have backed the notice of motion. The Sena’s support to the MNS is also seen as an instance of growing bonhomie between the two parties to tackle the BJP.
The BJP while opposing it has claimed that such action will be unconstitutional. “Vegetarians have a right to stay together, as they want. Such gimmicks are only to gain publicity and will not stand in court if passed,” said BJP leader of the house, Manoj Kotak.
According to the MNS leader, a number of families have been denied houses by builders or by societies on the pretext that they eat non-veg food.
He refuted the charge that his party is targeting a particular community. The notice of motion will be discussed on Tuesday.
