Nitin Gadkari to Indian Navy: I won't give you an inch of land in South Mumbai

Nitin Gadkari

When it comes to displaying affection or high temper, not many in politics can match Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The minister in-charge of shipping and ports yesterday slammed Indian Navy officers for being anti-development and stalling permission to build a floating jetty in Mumbai. He also criticised the men in uniform for demanding a piece of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) land exclusively for their housing. Gadkari's anger was visible at a public function, during which a ground-breaking ceremony for constructing a new international cruise terminal at MbPT was held. His remarks came in the presence of Western Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Girish Luthra and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Blazing ire
The minister wasn't happy with the stalling of the jetty because its construction is needed for facilitating government's tourism plan - a floating hotel at Malabar Hill complete with a seaplane service. Notwithstanding the Navy's red signal, Gadkari said he would approve the jetty as chairman of the PM-appointed infrastructure committee. "The Navy and defence ministry are not government. Come to me. We are the government. We will clear it (proposal) immediately," he said, adding the Navy officers should discuss the issue with him for a positive action. He said the obstacles put in place by the Navy were part of "a habit" in which developmental works are stalled. "What has the Navy got to do with the Malabar Hill area, which is primarily a private residential zone, also having official residences of the Maharashtra governor and chief minister?" he asked.

'Why only SoBo?'
"Where is the Navy at Malabar Hill? It has nothing to do in the area," Gadkari said and invited the Navy for talks to resolve the issue. Revealing that Navy officers had approached him for a piece of land for housing, which he'd rejected then and there, he questioned why all in the Navy needed to stay in South Mumbai. "The Navy should be there at the borders, from where terrorists strike and sneak into our country. Why do all in the Navy want to stay in South Mumbai? I will not give an inch of land," he said, asking the officers to not approach him again for the same purpose.

He, however, added that he respected the Navy. "But then, we need go to Pakistan border and patrol the seas. Some important officers can stay in Mumbai; why do all need housing here?" He said the eastern seafront land that was in demand was being developed by the MbPT and the Maharashtra government, and it would be solely used for local citizens. The new international cruise terminal is part of this development plan.

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