Adani’s BKC Dharavi Redevelopment Dream Hits a Wall in Dharavi Showdown.

Adani’s Dharavi Redevelopment, often referred to as the heart of Mumbai and surrounded by seven railway stations, is at the center of a growing controversy. Dharavi Bachao Andolan leader and former MLA Baburao Mane has accused the Adani Group of plotting to disqualify over one lakh homes, shops, and businesses in the area. The goal, he claims, is to clear the land for developing another Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)-like commercial hub.

Addressing a massive public gathering organized by Dharavi Bachao Andolan at Shivraj Maidan, Mane strongly criticized the redevelopment plans. He highlighted that Dharavi sprawls across 540 acres and is home to over 1.10 lakh residential and commercial structures.

Mane pointed out that, according to a detailed engineering study conducted by the organization, if each household is allotted just 500 square feet, complete rehabilitation is feasible within Dharavi itself. He challenged Adani representatives to debate this with their experts instead of making vague promises.

He further questioned why the government promises larger flats—over 500 square feet—to those in Worli, where homes are only 140–150 sq. ft., yet refuses similar treatment to Dharavi residents with homes exceeding 150, 200, and even 300 sq. ft. He drew attention to the disparity by citing ministers’ bungalows near Malabar Hill, each spread across thousands of square feet.

The unique needs of artisans in Kumbharwada were also highlighted. Their livelihood depends on large spaces, and Mane questioned how potters can operate in limited 350 sq. ft. units. He demanded that both the government and Adani clarify their rehabilitation model for such communities.

Mane asserted that disqualifying one lakh residents is not an administrative error but a deliberate strategy. He alleged that alternate sites in Deonar, Govandi, Mulund, and Kurla Mother Dairy are being earmarked for relocating Dharavi’s population—locations he claims are effectively being handed over to Adani.

He raised a vital question: “If you’re evicting people from Dharavi and pushing them to the outskirts, who exactly is being rehabilitated?” Mane claimed the ultimate objective is not public welfare but real estate profit, by turning Dharavi into another high-value commercial zone like BKC.

The rally saw participation from multiple political leaders and activists including Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Suresh Sawant, and members from NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Samajwadi Party, AAP, and others. Local residents also turned out in large numbers.

Jyoti Gaikwad declared her firm opposition to any forced demolitions. “If Adani’s bulldozers enter Dharavi, I’ll be the first to stand in their path,” she warned, reiterating Congress’s support for Dharavi’s residents.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai issued a strong warning, saying no construction will be allowed unless rightful rehabilitation is guaranteed. “Not a single brick of Adani’s high-rises will be laid in Dharavi unless residents get what they are owed,” he said. Desai clarified that while his party does not oppose Dharavi’s development, it must strictly follow fair and legal procedures.

Sprouts News also noted statements from other opposition leaders expressing outrage over the state government’s alleged complicity. Mumbai Congress President MP Varsha Gaikwad challenged the relocation plans, accusing the government of pushing the urban poor into dumping grounds. “Why should we go to Deonar or Mulund’s garbage sites? Build your malls there instead,” she said, aiming her comments squarely at Adani and state authorities.

Gaikwad concluded with a sharp rebuke, using a popular truck slogan: “Buri nazar wale, tera muh kaala.” She warned those eyeing Dharavi for commercial gain that their plans will be publicly opposed. Emphasizing that Dharavi belongs to its residents, she said, “It’s our right, not anyone’s inheritance.”

The tension over the Dharavi redevelopment project continues to rise, with both political leaders and grassroots movements like Dharavi Bachao Andolan demanding transparency, fairness, and justice. As Sprouts News continues to monitor this high-stakes redevelopment issue, the voices from the heart of Mumbai are growing louder: development yes, but not at the cost of displacement.