Maharashtra Congress chief, Nana Patole, made a startling claim on Monday, asserting that the upcoming special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22, harbors an undisclosed agenda: to detach Mumbai from the state and designate it as a Union Territory.
While addressing reporters, Patole remarked, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never convened a special session of Parliament to address issues related to the COVID pandemic or significant events like the 2016 demonetization or the situation in Manipur. The decision to hold this session seems arbitrary and driven by the government’s current mood. My concern is that this session could lead to the declaration of Mumbai as a Union Territory, effectively separating it from the rest of Maharashtra.”
The Centre’s silence on the specific agenda for the special session has fueled speculation and raised questions.
Patole voiced apprehension about the potential ramifications of such a move, stating, “Mumbai is an international city and serves as the financial hub of the nation. Yet, we are witnessing the exodus of key institutions from the city, including Air India, the International Financial Services Centre, and the diamond market.”
Furthermore, he alleged that a plan is underway to relocate the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange to Gujarat, which has raised concerns about the impact on Mumbai’s economic standing.
Patole also alleged that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress, posed a significant obstacle to these decisions, leading to its downfall orchestrated by the Centre. The Congress leader’s statements have stirred debate and speculation as the nation awaits further details regarding the special session’s agenda.