CIDCO's decision of releasing the 90,000 affordable houses is expected to have a political impact on the electorate of Mumbai and around in the state assembly elections scheduled in September-October this year. However, the opposition had termed the decision as nothing but a political gimmickry aimed at garnering votes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier had released a lottery of 14,000 affordable houses in Navi Mumbai before the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. "House is very dear to everyone and it is a dream to own the house in Mumbai and its peripheral locations. Therefore, the 90,000 mega housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will have a positive impact on the incumbent government," said Bhalchandra Shirsat, BJP spokesperson. Shirsat said that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream to provide shelter to every person who has no house. "Therefore, many schemes have been announced. Besides, we have also given the benefit in the stamp duty and registration and reduced the interest rate on EMI of housing loan. BJP is working for the common man, its main aim is to fulfil their aspirations," said Shirsat. Mahendra Gharat, the Congress leader from Navi Mumbai, however, has downplayed BJP's rhetoric calling it mere politics. "This is nothing but political gimmicks. If you see the history of the CIDCO, it was the Congress party that first created the housing authority for Navi Mumbai's planned development and provide affordable houses. However, instead of marketing, we genuinely worked for people and we continue to do the same," said Gharat. Pritam Mhatre, Peasant and Workers Party (PWP) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Panvel Municipal Corporation said that the CIDCO is one of the most corrupt bodies. "In fact, it is the body that has increased the property rates in Navi Mumbai. They sell the land at a high cost in auctions to the developer. To recover the cost, the developer increases property prices. CIDCO should release its land at affordable rates to developers so that affordable housing can be made available to more," explained Mhatre. Varying Opinion

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