BJP accuses Shinde of corruption in Thane project

BJP legislators have accused Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of corruption related to the Thane coastal road project. They claim that the project cost increased by ₹1,411 crore in just three years. The allegations come as tensions between BJP and Shinde appeared to ease. BJP members in the legislative council are demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) review of the project. The coastal road project was approved while Shinde served as chief minister and was also overseeing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). BJP leaders, including Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad, raised concerns about the cost rising from ₹1,316 crore in 2021 to ₹2,727 crore in 2024. They questioned how such a significant increase could be approved by authorities. Madhuri Misal, the Minister of State for Urban Development, responded by saying that the original estimate was made before additional work, like pedestrian bridges, was included. She defended the tender process, stating there were no irregularities. Despite this, BJP members remained unconvinced. They continued to press for an SIT investigation into the tender process. Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai explained that the cost increased due to changes in project specifications and rates. The issue has led to further discussions, and legislative council chairperson Ram Shinde has called for a meeting to resolve the concerns raised by BJP members.