Mumbai

Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye has strongly criticised the use of religion to promote residential projects, describing it as a divisive tactic that threatens national unity and undermines constitutional values. He specifically referred to a proposed halal lifestyle township near Karjat, around 100 km from Mumbai, saying such projects are unacceptable and attempt to sow religious divisions.

Upadhye warned that branding housing developments based on religion could set a dangerous precedent, leading to separate colonies for different communities, which he said would harm social harmony and security. He drew parallels with historical demands for separate spaces, calling the Karjat project a modern threat to unity. The project’s promotional claims, like everything will be halal in the society, were criticised as deliberately fostering division and discrimination.

He urged the government to investigate the project and take strict action against those promoting religious segregation under the guise of development. Upadhye also noted that the National Human Rights Commission has sought reports from the state government and MahaRERA, the housing regulator, regarding the legality of the project.

The state cannot allow plots or colonies based on religion. Such acts of division under the cover of development are unacceptable, he said. Upadhye asserted that no plan aimed at dividing society in the name of religion will be tolerated, describing the project as land jihad and emphasising that Maharashtra upholds social cohesion and constitutional unity.