BJP tones down demand,Sena adamant

The Opposition BJP has toned down its demand for free housing for mill workers but ally Shiv Sena is adamant on it,creating a rift between saffron parties on the eve of the Assembly budget session.

BJP leaders said they wanted the state government to waive taxes over the cost of the tenement meant for mill workers and they would convince the workers to pay a part of the amount while the Sena is firm on its stand that they should be given free houses in Mumbai.

The state government had promised to take the Opposition parties into confidence and work out an amicable solution to the problem. The Sena had staged a morcha last year along with groups demanding houses for mill workers,an issue that has been pending for years.

A delegation of mill workers association had met BJP Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Vinod Tawde on Tuesday.

Speaking at the pre-budget session press conference,Tawde said the government had worked out the cost per house to Rs 8 lakh,inclusive of government taxes,stamp duties,registration fees etc. It could be brought down to Rs 3.5 lakh if the government waives the taxes and duties as a special case for the mill workers.

He said the Central government subsidy of Rs 2 lakh for mill workers would ultimately reduce the final cost to Rs 1.5 lakh a house. Mill workers are ready to pay that amount. It is not a change in stand for us,it is a practical stand over the issue. Sena MLC Diwakar Raote,however,said the party would seek free housing for mill workers.

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