The BRICS TimesShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut challenged the land takeover and the BMC’s “lightning-fast” approvals, alleging the plot was designated for housing.
Foundation Stone and Political Storm
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to lay the foundation. This event is for the new Maharashtra BJP headquarters. It takes place in Mumbai’s Churchgate area on Monday. Meanwhile, the Opposition is questioning the land’s acquisition.
Raut’s Letter and Land Claims
Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Sanjay Raut wrote to Shah. He challenged the land purchase and the Mumbai civic body’s speedy approvals. Raut claimed the plot was actually set aside for residential use. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had leased this land in 1902. This happened during the British era. The Maharashtra State Co-operative Finance Corporation held 54% of the land. Four family members owned the remaining 46%.
The corporation requested a lease renewal when the term ended in 2001. However, the family failed to do so. It was later discovered the family had mortgaged the land to banks. This was done without the BMC’s knowledge. The BMC addressed this issue in 2017. Since then, no action had been taken.
Fast-Tracked Approvals Questioned
Raut then alleged that a builder, Eknath Realtor, suddenly applied for the 46% land share. This happened in April 2025. The BMC approved this request in just four days. The builder then sought the rest of the land from the corporation. That application was also quickly approved. Raut claimed Eknath Realtors got the land for a ₹ 21.35 crore transfer charge.
The application to transfer the land for the state BJP headquarters followed on May 21. It received approval only one day later. “On May 31, the process to transfer the land to the BJP was completed,” Raut stated.
Raut observed that decisions affecting the public interest often face delays. Yet, the file for the state BJP headquarters moved at “lightning speed.” He hoped public interest matters would also get such fast attention.
NCP Backs Allegations; BJP Rejects Claims
Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar lawmaker Rohit Pawar supported Raut’s claims. He demanded an explanation from the BJP. He mentioned the land was on a 99-year lease. Pawar also brought up rumors of a building on the site being deemed unsafe. This building was reportedly taken over and demolished for the new BJP office.
Navnath Ban, the BJP’s state media wing chief, dismissed all accusations. He stated the party paid over ₹80 crore for the land. He confirmed all legal processes were followed. “…we are building a party office for workers and not a five-star home like Matoshree 2.0…,” he asserted. This comment referred to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Udhhav Thackeray’s residence. Ban added, “Everyone knows how quickly the permissions were given for the Matoshree 2.0. So, Raut should recall it before making misleading and baseless statements.”
