Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Will address pollution, sanitation problems, says Mihir Kotecha

Sitting BJP MLA and Lok Sabha candidate for Mumbai North East Mihir Kotecha says his focus in the region will remain on development, stopping PAPs, shifting dumping ground, building Mulund Terminus and a state-of-the-art sports complex in the area. Kotecha said the political equations in Maharashtra had changed for the better as Uddhav Thackeray who decided to breach trust and align with Congress leaving Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology will have to pay. Excerpts from mid-day's conversation with the leader:

Are the BJP and Mahayuti confident given the changing political equations and new alignments?
Yes. The political equations in Maharashtra have changed for the better. We are all very confident like never before and will cross the 400 mark and come back to power with a thumping majority.

But if there was so much confidence, what was the need to split other parties?
Mind you, we have not split any parties. The BJP and the Shiv Sena were in a natural alliance. It was Uddhav Thackeray who decided to breach trust and align with the Congress. This led to a lot of internal unrest in their party and all those who were loyal to Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology joined us. We welcomed them with open hands.

Mumbai North East has multiple issues. What are your priorities beyond Mulund where you have been an MLA?
The constituency includes areas such as Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg and Mulund. The key issues besides development that I intend to address include addressing pollution and sanitation problems and relocating the dumping ground. Dumping grounds cannot be in the middle of the suburbs like this.

The issue of the project-affected people (PAP) from Dharavi and elsewhere being settled in Mulund East has been fiery. What is your stand on it?
My stand has been categorical from Day 1. I have been opposing all PAP projects and have engaged in correspondence since the first day with continuous follow-ups. Rehabilitation is best done in situ where it is convenient for all. I will ensure positive results on this.

The constituency has a huge Marathi-speaking and Muslim population, which is where the Maha Vikas Aghadi intends to cash in on votes in a few areas in the constituency.
It is the language of development and progress that everyone understands. All citizens without any barriers will enjoy the fruits of development without any bias. Our government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always believed in inclusive development and growth.

The vast salt pan land is slowly opening up and a major portion lies in this constituency. What is the plan?
Yes. I am aware. The Metro car shed is coming up at Kanjurmarg, which will be a big help for citizens in terms of east-west connectivity. We are looking at planned development that will offer citizen-centric benefits, keeping environment and ecology in mind, maintaining a fine balance.

What are your key promises for the constituency?
Providing halts to Konkan-bound express trains in my constituency at Bhandup-Mulund, which has a large Konkani population and also giving halts for trains heading to the north so that the citizens do not have to move out to far-off places to board trains. I will press for a Mulund Terminus and starting Konkan Express, Kutch Express and trains for Uttar Pradesh. I will also work towards getting Mulund-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus local trains. A state-of-the-art sports complex for Mulund, addressing the PAP issue and relocation of dumping grounds, station upgrades, connectivity of roads and new infrastructure that will make Mumbai North East shine.