Congress criticises MMRCL over sale of Nariman Point plot to RBI, terms move arbitrary

Sachin Sawant. Pic/X

Maharashtra Congress has strongly objected to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (MMRCL) decision to sell a 4.2-acre plot at Nariman Point to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), alleging that the move was executed in an arbitrary manner and without transparency.

Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant, in a statement posted on social media, said the transaction bypassed the due tender process, leading to what he described as a significant financial loss for the state exchequer. "The sale of this land without a competitive bidding process has caused an estimated loss of around Rs 1,800 crore," Sawant claimed.

The contentious plot at Nariman Point previously housed the offices of several political parties, including the Congress. According to Sawant, these parties were asked to vacate their premises to facilitate metro construction activities, and were temporarily shifted to rented spaces. "The Congress Party was relocated to an office at Tanna House, near Regal Talkies, on the clear assurance that a permanent office would be provided in the same area once the metro work was completed," he said.

Sawant argued that the MMRCL should have engaged in consultations with political parties and other stakeholders before finalising the sale. "Before proceeding with the sale of this plot, MMRCL should have undertaken a consultation process with the stakeholders. However, the entire deal has been executed without any such process, which makes it highly objectionable," he stated.

The Congress leader further accused MMRCL of displaying "high-handedness" in handling the matter, alleging that the interests of political parties who had long been occupants of the plot were disregarded. He emphasised that the assurances given at the time of relocation had been ignored, leaving the affected parties sidelined.

The issue is likely to trigger a political row, as the Congress has signalled its intent to seek accountability over the land deal. The party has demanded that MMRCL clarify its position and explain why a tender process was not followed.

The MMRCL and the state government are yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

According to reports, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has bought a 4-acre land parcel at Nariman Point in South Mumbai from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), in what is among the largest land transactions in India this year. The prime plot lies close to Mantralaya, the Bombay High Court, and several corporate headquarters, reinforcing its long-term institutional value.