Pranav Birje | The News Bulletins
Despite Diwali, a massive crowd gathered at the public meeting from 7 a.m.
Inspired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s recent call to all citizens to stand up and fight against “Urban Naxalism,” a massive public gathering was organized under the leadership and guidance of former North Mumbai MP Gopal Shetty. The event took place at Saptah Maidan, opposite Kamla Vihar Sports Club, Poisar Gymkhana Road, Kandivali (West).
Despite it being the festive occasion of Diwali, a huge number of citizens gathered to show unity and strength in the fight against Urban Naxalism.
Addressing the gathering, public servant Gopal Shetty said,
> “In my view, Urban Naxalism means—
1. The negligent municipal officers who render citizens homeless, like those living in Shukla Compound, Dahisar for the past 40–45 years — this is Urban Naxalism.
2. Security personnel who blindly protect those committing injustices — this is Urban Naxalism.
3. Developers who exploit outdated administrative laws like the 1962 datum line to oppress people — this is Urban Naxalism.
4. Builders who take money from citizens for homes but never deliver them — this is Urban Naxalism.
5. Officials and their enablers who demolish permitted constructions on private land and act arbitrarily — this is Urban Naxalism.
6. Corrupt municipal officers who ignore illegal constructions and allow them to thrive without approvals — this is Urban Naxalism.
7. Municipal officials who work against the national sports policy formulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holistic development, by misusing the lack of open spaces in Mumbai and acting contrary to the BMC’s turf sports circular — this is Urban Naxalism.
8. Landowners, in collusion with BMC officers, who misuse Section 354 notices to demolish hundreds of buildings — this too is Urban Naxalism.
> “Now, we must unite and fight a long, determined battle against this Urban Naxalism.”
The event was attended by several prominent personalities including Boriwali MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, Dahisar MLA Manisha Tai Chaudhary, Adv. J.P. Mishra, Mohan Mithbavkar, Shrikant Pandey, R.R. Thakkar, RPI’s Ramesh Gaikwad, and Ajayraj Purohit, among many other distinguished citizens.