Navi Mumbai Airport Row: MNS Warns of Massive Agitation Over Jobs for Marathi Youth — “No Flights Will Take Off if Locals Are Ignored,” Says Party
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has accused CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai International Airport administration of neglecting Marathi-speaking locals in the recruitment process. The party has warned of a statewide protest if employment is not given to local youth.
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra):
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has launched a strong protest against the recruitment process at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, alleging that Marathi-speaking locals have been sidelined.
Party officials claim that despite the government’s policy of reserving 80% of jobs for locals, the airport administration and CIDCO have ignored this mandate.
According to MNS city president Gajanan Kale, information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) revealed that CIDCO has not created any clear policy to prioritize local candidates. Moreover, there is no data available on how many locals have been recruited so far.
Kale alleged, “The government is handing over one lakh jobs at the Navi Mumbai airport to outsiders instead of local sons of the soil.”
Massive Job Potential at Stake
The Navi Mumbai International Airport project will reportedly create over 1 lakh jobs across its four terminals, with around 25,000 jobs per terminal. However, MNS leaders claim that the first phase of hiring has already excluded locals.
MNS leaders including Gajanan Kale, Saviny Mhatre, Vilas Ghone, Dr. Aarti Dhumal, Sandesh Dongre, and Bhushan Koli addressed a press conference, warning that the neglect of Marathi candidates would lead to an aggressive state-wide movement.
Fraudulent Recruitment Allegations
MNS also alleged that a company established in Ayodhya two years ago duped several Marathi youths by promising jobs at the airport.
According to reports, the company collected ₹88,000 each from several applicants but failed to offer them employment.
Local leader Bhushan Koli further claimed that CIDCO had earlier started a Skill Development Training Program for local youths, but it was discontinued due to administrative negligence. As a result, local candidates are now forced to pay lakhs of rupees to private institutes for training.
Strong Warning from MNS
Issuing a stern warning, the MNS said that if Marathi youth are not given fair employment at the airport, the party will stop flight operations under the orders of party chief Raj Thackeray.
MNS also announced plans for a massive joint protest march in Navi Mumbai, to be led by Amit Thackeray and Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray, along with other opposition parties.
“If Marathi youth are denied jobs, we will not let a single plane take off from this airport,” warned MNS leaders.
