Maharashtra Minister Lodha and Aaditya Thackeray Spar Over Tree Cutting and Rohingya Issues

Aaditya Thackeray, a leader from Shiv Sena UBT, has accused the Maharashtra government of planning to cut down nearly 9,000 trees at the Kurla ITI campus in Mumbai. He questioned the legality and timing of this action, suggesting it was disguised as road construction. State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha refuted these claims, alleging that Thackeray was protecting encroachments by Bangladeshi Rohingyas.

Thackeray expressed his concerns at Vidhan Bhavan during the monsoon session. He pointed out that the trees, which include 48 species, were planted just last year. "How did they suddenly become unwanted within a year?" he asked. He also questioned why tree felling occurred late at night using an earthmover if it was legitimate.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Lodha countered Thackeray's accusations by stating that no trees were being cut for construction. He explained that the site was already developed for local games and not for a swimming pool. "The road being built is just an eight-foot-wide pedestrian access," he clarified. Lodha alleged that the other side of the Kurla ground had been encroached upon by Bangladeshi Rohingyas.

The BJP minister accused Thackeray of diverting attention from the tree-cutting issue by raising unrelated matters. "Whenever BJP-led ruling coalition leaders are cornered, they raise unrelated issues to divert attention," Thackeray claimed. Lodha insisted that the opposition MLA was shielding illegal occupants instead of addressing the real issue.

Historical Context and Political Jibes

Lodha took a jibe at Thackeray by questioning why his party did not build playgrounds for traditional games like kabaddi and kho-kho during their 25-year rule in BMC. "Some of these games date back to Shivaji Maharaj's era," Lodha remarked, questioning Thackeray's opposition to them.

Responding to Thackeray's assertion that dealing with Rohingya infiltration was the Union government's responsibility, Lodha claimed most immigrants arrived when Uddhav Thackeray was chief minister. "It is true that the maximum number of Rohingyas came to Mumbai when Uddhav Thackeray was chief minister," Lodha stated.

Union Government's Role

Thackeray hit back by questioning the Union government's role in handling illegal immigration. "If Rohingyas have entered the country, is it not your Union government's responsibility?" he asked. He criticised the government for not taking action earlier despite being in power for 11 years.

Lodha defended his actions by stating that he cleared three major plots of encroachments in Mumbai's Malvani area and created facilities for traditional Indian games. He added that several ITIs in the state had faced encroachments from Rohingyas.

The ongoing debate highlights political tensions over environmental concerns and immigration issues in Maharashtra. Both sides continue to exchange accusations while defending their respective actions and policies.

With inputs from PTI