'Aarey is not Sena-BJP but human-environment tussle': Aditya Thackeray

After spearheading the campaigning against the tree felling in Aarey forest ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections, Aaditya Thackeray said that it is not just a tussle between saffron allies, Shiv Sena and BJP, but a fight for the environment. He added that while the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) had already cut the trees in Aarey for the proposed metro shed, he was hopeful of getting justice from the Supreme Court.

"It is not between the BJP and Shiv Sena, it is a tussle between humans and the environment. We have made a lot of effort, and we think the environment will win. The MMRC has already cut the trees, but I believe the Supreme Court will hopefully give us justice," Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena's Worli candidate, speaking about what drove him to contest the polls, Thackeray, who has become the first leader from the family of the late Balasaheb Thackeray to directly contest, said, "It is not about me contesting the elections but about creating a Maharashtra which is progressive and going ahead. I respect my opponents in a democracy, I am therefore meeting the voters and urging them to vote in my favour ahead of the elections."

READ| Aarey: Trees Cut Only For Development, Says Maharashtra's Forest Min

The Shiv Sena launched its manifesto on Saturday in presence of senior leaders including chief Uddhav Thackeray and Youth Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray. Though the saffron party has reiterated its stance with reference to the proposed car shed at Aarey, the issue did not find a mention in its manifesto.

Aaditya Thackeray, who stood against ally BJP's decision to chop trees to build the metro infrastructure on October 12 had said, "I’m ready to talk about Aarey and I want every political party to conduct a meeting and should discuss Aarey. Shiv Sena is against the action happened in Aarey. We will discuss this issue for sure and on priorities."

Earlier, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has promised that it will not cut more trees in Aarey as per the Supreme Court's order, however, the clearing of felled trees will continue at the site. "We respect the order of the Supreme Court passed today. No future tree felling activity at the car shed site in Aarey Milk Colony will be undertaken. Other works, including clearing of already felled trees, will continue at the site," MMRCL spokesperson said in an official statement. The MMRCL has already cut down 2141 trees out of its target of 2185 prior to Supreme Court's stay.

Aarey dispute

A protest which was being carried out over a few weeks escalated in the last week when activists tried to sabotage the activity of tree felling. As many as 29 activists were under arrest on Saturday for restricting the activity of tree felling and the police cordoned off the area. The protestors filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the High court order, which was heard on October 7. 

The Apex court passed a stay order prohibiting MMRCL from further tree felling, maintaining the status quo of the Aarey colony. MMRCL had severed off 2141 trees out of a total of 2185 trees initially planned to chop off until the Supreme Court order to prohibit the tree felling activity further. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 21.