No ban on Migrants in Mumbai - Mahatastra Governor

Lauding the spirit of Mumbai by saying that “Mumbai can compete only with Mumbai”, the new Maharashtra Governor, K Shankaranarayanan on Thursday opined that a ban cannot be imposed in migrants.

“India now has a population 110 crore, during Independence it was 36 crore. Anyone can live in Mumbai.....Mumbai is a city that can compete with itself...Mumbai can compete only and only with Mumbai,” Shankaranarayanan told a select gathering of newsmen during an informal chat at Raj Bhavan.

“People from all classes, be it the rich, middle class or poor, they stay here.... they stay here for bread....People stay in America for bread or for that matter Kerala,” he said.

The Governor's response came to a query about the hot political issue in Mumbai and whether migrants should be allowed in the wake of tremendous strain on infrastructure.

The Governor's statement comes ahead of the budget session of Vidhan Sabha, during which he would deliver his maiden address to the joint sitting – and should be seen in light of the context about the political developments since the last three years, to be specific, Mumbai-for-Maharashtrians-issue.

He also advocated the need to upgrade infrastructure facilities. "Water (scarcity), transport (woes) are common sufferings all over the world. It is a universal problem. We need to focus on how to improve it," he said. The Governor stressed the need for unanimity on development issues. "Politics should be kept for elections only....rest you should focus on development and only development. There should not be any compromise on development," said Shankaranarayanan, who hails from Kerala.

Sankaranarayanan said he would concentrate on ensuring that other regions of the state are not discriminated against as compared to Mumbai in terms of development. Referring to the issue of extension to statutory development boards, he said the boards existed because they were necessary. "Opinion expressed from various quarters is not a decision. Government would take the right decision."