Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) impose utility charges on underground cables belonging to corporations owned by Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and others. Speaking to reporters after meeting BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Thackeray questioned why these companies were not being taxed, especially when the BMC’s financial health has worsened after the implementation of GST, which led to the abolition of octroi revenue.
“The BMC is under financial strain, and yet, these corporations are not being charged. Gagrani has said the state government will take a decision on the matter,” Thackeray said.
MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande stated that levying charges on 42 different utilities could generate ₹8,000-₹10,000 crore in revenue for the BMC, significantly boosting its financial stability.
The MNS also raised concerns over the overburdened civic hospitals, particularly KEM Hospital, which has 2,250 beds but treats over 10,000 patients daily. The party claimed that more than 30-35 lakh patients from outside Maharashtra seek treatment at Mumbai’s government hospitals every year. In a memorandum submitted to Gagrani, the MNS demanded that only patients with a local Mumbai address on their Aadhaar card should receive free treatment at civic-run hospitals.
Thackeray also addressed the BMC’s ban on plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, urging idol makers to transition to eco-friendly clay alternatives due to the environmental damage caused by PoP.
With Mumbai’s civic finances in distress and public services under immense pressure, Thackeray’s demands could spark further debate over corporate taxation and access to public healthcare in the city.
