Navi Mumbai Airport to be named after Bal Thackeray: Agitators say protest to intensify if airport not named after DB Patil

The protesters, who took part in a 12-km-long human chain on Thursday, sought that the new airport should be named after farmers’ leader late D B Patil instead.

Last month, the Board of Directors of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) had proposed to name the NMIA, which is expected to relieve the pressure on the Mumbai international airport, after Bal Thackeray. (File)

SEVERAL RESIDENTS of Thane and Raigad district have objected to the state government’s decision to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.

The protesters, who took part in a 12-km-long human chain on Thursday, sought that the new airport should be named after farmers’ leader late D B Patil instead.

A committee spearheading the protests has now said it will to gherao Konkan Bhavan in Raigad district on June 24 to press for the demand.

In December last year, state urban development minister Eknath Shinde too had written to the Chief Minister and the CIDCO, asking them to send a proposal to name the airport after the late founder of the Shiv Sena. The proposal was subsequently sanctioned by the CIDCO in its board meeting.

On Friday, Shiv Sena leader and president of Akhil Agri Samaj Mandal Dashrath Patil said, “I was appointed as chairman of Navi Mumbai International Airport Naamkaran Kruti Samiti in an all-political party meeting in May. On June 8, a meeting was organised, during which CM Uddhav Thackeray had promised that another meeting will be held to discuss the issue (of naming the airport) further. However, on June 10, they held a meeting and announced the decision of naming the airport after the late Balasaheb Thackeray. This is wrong and we should have been consulted before announcing the name.”

BJP MLA from Panvel, Prashant Thakur, who is the vice president of the Naamkaran Kruti Samiti, said, CIDCO had taken the decision without considering the local bodies and other stakeholders. “This is a suppression of people’s demand. There is still a time for the government to cancel the decision and take the people’s demand seriously.”

Story continues below this ad

While talking to media persons on Friday, State Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, however, said the Chief Minister has assured the Naamkaran Kruti Samiti that some other project will be named after the D B Patil.

The late farmers’ leader, Patil had led several protests for land tillers and owners in Panvel when the urban development body had acquired land in the area for the construction of the city. During a protest in 1984, four farmers had died after which the Gaothan scheme, which allowed a farmer to carry out construction activity in 12.5 per cent of his/her land acquired by the CIDCO, was launched.

Dashrath Patil said they will intensify the protests seeking the naming airport after DB Patil for the work which he has done during his lifetime for the project-affected people.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram