Rahul Gandhi Explains ‘Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai’ Meaning: 6 Key Political Points Behind Maharashtra Elections’ Biggest Issue

Two days before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Mumbai. During the conference, he criticized the BJP government’s policy regarding the Dharavi redevelopment project. He pulled out two posters from his briefcase. One poster read, “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai” (If one is safe, it’s safe). The other poster displayed an image of Dharavi.

Waving both posters, Rahul Gandhi said, “The BJP wants to give away the land of Dharavi to Adani. ‘Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai’ means Modi, Adani, and Shah are one. Who is safe? Modi and Adani. Who will suffer? The people.” He further added that this was a true slogan.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized that Maharashtra’s money should be given to the people of Maharashtra, not to an individual. He pointed out that many projects from Maharashtra were taken away and given to other states, amounting to a loss of 7 lakh crores in projects. He accused the current government of stealing jobs, with 5 lakh people losing their employment. He also expressed concern that Dharavi’s future is not secure and that the redevelopment is harming the area for the benefit of one individual.

Rahul Gandhi Says Adani Cannot Achieve Everything Without Modi’s Help

Rahul Gandhi stated that the land of Dharavi belongs to the people living there, who have been residing for years. He highlighted the numerous issues in converting Dharavi, including the loss of mangrove land. He pointed out that rules were altered for one individual. Gandhi criticized the fact that the country’s ports, airports, defense industry, and even Dharavi are being handed over to a person who has a long-standing relationship with the Prime Minister.

He further claimed that Adani could not accomplish this task alone. Without the Prime Minister’s help, Adani would not be able to acquire the land in Dharavi from the people. Gandhi stated that the biggest issue in this election is whether the people of Maharashtra will benefit from the property or if it will be handed over to one individual.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project and the Politics Surrounding It: 6 Key Points

Overview of Dharavi and the Project

Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, is home to nearly 1 million people. The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with the Adani Group, is working on the redevelopment of Dharavi. The project is expected to cost around ₹23,000 crore, and under this plan, the residents will receive flats covering 350 square feet each.

Eligibility for Permanent Housing

Under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, residents who settled before January 1, 2000, will receive permanent homes for free. Those who settled between 2000 and 2011 will also get housing but will have to pay for it.

Historical Background

The BJP-Shiv Sena government first proposed the Dharavi redevelopment in 1999. In 2003-04, the Maharashtra government approved a project to develop Dharavi as an integrated, planned township. In 2011, the Congress-led government canceled all tenders and prepared a master plan.

Cancellation and Re-issuance of Tenders

In 2019, the Uddhav Thackeray government canceled the tenders for the redevelopment project. At that time, Congress was also part of the government. After Uddhav Thackeray’s government collapsed, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued new tenders in October 2022, with the Adani Group winning the project.

Controversy Surrounding the Project

The project has once again come under controversy just before the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. Uddhav Thackeray has been vocal in opposing it. In its manifesto released on November 7, the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition alliance promised to cancel the project if they come to power. Thackeray expressed concerns that the redevelopment would negatively impact Mumbai.

Response from CM Eknath Shinde

In response, CM Eknath Shinde asked if the opposition leaders knew anything other than imposing bans and shutting down projects. He emphasized that people in Dharavi live in poor conditions, while these leaders live in large homes and bungalows, keeping the poor in mud.