Claims Muslim developers are manipulating Bbeneficiary lists, calls for government action
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Sanjay Nirupam has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to increase the Muslim population in Mumbai through slum rehabilitation projects. He claims that Muslim developers are selectively adding names of Muslim beneficiaries to the list of Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects, calling it ‘housing jihad’.
Speaking on the matter, Nirupam expressed concerns that if such a trend continues, Mumbai’s demographic composition could shift significantly. “If this is not stopped, Hindus will become a minority and Muslims will become a majority in Mumbai,” he stated.
According to Nirupam, approximately 600 SRA projects are currently in progress across the city and its suburbs. He asserts that while only 10 per cent of these projects are led by Muslim builders, they are allegedly misrepresenting slum numbers, securing project approvals through bribery, and subsequently adding Muslim names to the beneficiary lists.
He further claimed that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were also being settled under this scheme. “It is concerning that while the government is running campaigns against illegal Bangladeshis, some builders are working to evict them from huts and resettle them in flats,” he said.
Nirupam has written to Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde, urging immediate intervention to halt what he describes as a “deliberate effort to alter Mumbai’s demographic structure.”
The allegations come amid growing rhetoric from various parties in the ruling Mahayuti coalition against Muslims, with previous claims about ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’ made by BJP leaders. Nirupam’s statements have now introduced a new narrative of ‘housing jihad’.
The leader also accused Muslim MLAs of facilitating this process by protecting developers and influencing SRA project approvals. “No one is visible on paper, but Muslim MLAs are backing these builders and ensuring their projects get clearance,” he alleged.
Citing an example, Nirupam mentioned a redevelopment project involving Shree Shankar Society, where he claims a Bangladeshi national, who had moved into the area in 2006, was unlawfully included in the list of beneficiaries. “A Muslim builder got his name approved in the project, which raises serious concerns,” he said.
He also alleged that a Bangladeshi national was involved in supplying construction materials in Bandra.
Nirupam warned that the unchecked growth of Muslim settlements in SRA projects could lead to areas resembling “Malwani and Mumbra”, known for their significant Muslim populations. “The government must take immediate action to stop this ‘housing jihad’ before it alters Mumbai’s demographic balance permanently,” he urged.
