Mira Bhayandar Mayor says decision will be taken by majority; Opposition voices concern over impact on minorities
MUMBAI – Soon after taking charge of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has introduced two proposals in its first general meeting that have led to strong reactions in the city.
The first proposal seeks to change the name of Hazrat Tipu Sultan Chowk, located on Lodha Road in Naya Nagar, Mira Road. The second proposal calls for cancelling or changing the land earlier allotted for a slaughterhouse in the Utan area.
Both items have been included in the agenda of the general meeting scheduled for 18 February.
On Wednesday, newly elected Mayor Dimple Mehta and Deputy Mayor Dhruv Kishore Patil formally assumed office. Soon after, the two proposals were placed on the agenda.
In a statement to the media, Mayor Dimple Mehta said, “Three to four corporators had given a letter requesting that the name of Hazrat Tipu Sultan Chowk be changed. Therefore, it has been included in the agenda of the general meeting. A decision will be taken by the majority.”
Deputy Mayor Dhruv Kishore Patil said the party would act according to its election commitments. “We will take everyone along, but it is also our duty to fulfil the promises made during elections,” he said.
Slaughterhouse Proposal Questioned
The second proposal concerns the land allotted for a slaughterhouse in the Utan area during the tenure of the previous Municipal Corporation.
BJP MLA Narendra Mehta opposed the slaughterhouse project, stating, “It is harmful from an environmental point of view. A city with a population of 12 lakh does not need such a facility.”
He added that the earlier decision should be reconsidered in the interest of residents.
The decision to build a slaughterhouse in Mira Bhayandar was taken during the previous municipal body, and land was allocated for it in Utan.
Similarly, Hazrat Tipu Sultan Chowk on Lodha Road was named after the 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on the proposal of former corporator Naresh Takaram Patil. The naming was presented as a tribute to Tipu Sultan, who is regarded by many as a freedom fighter who resisted British rule.
However, the BJP has been campaigning against the naming of the chowk for the past two years.
The proposals have led to concern among sections of residents, particularly Muslims, who see the move as unnecessary and sensitive.
A resident from Naya Nagar said, “Tipu Sultan is respected by many as a freedom fighter. Changing the name now will only create tension.”
Another community member said, “The chowk was named through a proper proposal in the earlier corporation. Why reopen settled matters?”
Regarding the slaughterhouse land, some residents pointed out that the previous body had followed due process before allocating the land. “If the land was given legally, it should not be cancelled for political reasons,” a resident said.
The final decision on both proposals will be taken during the general meeting on 18 February.
With the BJP holding power in the corporation, the outcome is expected to reflect the party’s majority strength. However, the debate around the proposals has already begun in the city, with many urging that any decision should consider communal harmony and the feelings of all communities.
For now, attention is focused on the upcoming meeting, which may set the tone for the functioning of the new municipal body in Mira Bhayandar.
