A controversial advertisement for luxury flats in Mira Road (East), Mumbai, featuring the tagline "Preferred for Marwari and Gujarati families" has sparked controversy. While not explicitly refusing to sell flats to Maharashtrians, activists argue that it shows a clear preference for Marwaris and Gujaratis. The advertisement was linked to Sonam Builders, owned by Mira Road MLA Geeta Jain's family, although Jain denies any connection to the advertised properties. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists posed as customers and reported discussions about selling flats to a specific community, raising concerns about housing discrimination.
A recent advertisement for luxury flats in Mira Road (East) has ignited a fresh controversy in the Mumbai housing sector. The advertisement featured the tagline "Preferred for Marwari and Gujarati families" but did not disclose the builder's identity. Activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) argued that while the advertisement did not explicitly state a refusal to sell flats to Maharashtrians, it displayed a clear preference for Marwaris and Gujaratis.
The activists alleged that the advertisement was related to Sonam Builders, owned by Mira Road MLA Geeta Jain's family. However, Jain has submitted an application to the police asserting that the high-rises depicted in the advertisement do not belong to Sonam Builders. She further clarified that Sonam Builders have constructed numerous buildings in Mira-Bhayander, selling spaces to people from all communities, including Maharashtrians.
In an unexpected twist, MNS activists posed as potential customers and contacted the salespersons using the phone number provided in the advertisement. According to their claims, the salespersons discussed selling the flats specifically to a particular community.
Harshit Rajput from Millions Acre, the entity responsible for the controversial advertisement, issued an apology to the MNS and expressed regret for any offense caused. Rajput explained that their intention was to target the Marwari and Gujarati communities as potential customers and that they had no intention of causing harm or discrimination.
These recent incidents have drawn attention to the need for stricter rules and regulations to combat discrimination within housing societies. Experts and activists are urging the government to take decisive action against managing committees that engage in discriminatory practices, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equal treatment for all residents and potential members.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
