Escalating its pro-Marathi stance, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded 40 per cent reservation in housing stock for Marathi-speaking people in all redevelopment projects across the state. In response, the Mahayuti government, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, has assured action against anyone who refuses to sell flats to Marathi-speaking people and mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both deputy chief ministers would jointly review the demand for the policy on the proposed housing quota.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Milind Narvekar and Anil Parab had raised the reservation issue during a question hour session in the state Legislative Council on Thursday. Parab mentioned that rapid urbanisation was happening and redevelopment was taking place across the city and Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“For many Marathi families, big flats, ranging from 2000 square feet to 3000 square feet, are unaffordable. Hence, the government should come up with a policy where it will be mandatory for the developer to reserve 40 per cent of the total stock for Marathi-speaking people,” Parab said, suggesting that the flat size of the reserve stock should be measuring between 500 square feet and 750 square feet, which would be within reach for Maharashtrian families.