Mumbai, March 10 (PTI): Voicing strong opposition to Mumbai civic body’s new development plan for the metropolis, MNS chief Raj Thackeray alleged that attempts are being made to sell Mumbai inch by inch and development is being brought at the cost of Marathi-speaking people.

He warned that his party would not let Mumbai be sold in the name of development.

“A new development plan has come up, on which many comments have been made. Some say it will benefit the city and others say it should be thrown into the dustbin. The plan is actually dreadful. They have proposed a hike in the FSI (floor space index). But who will buy homes when they are beyond the reach of common man,” Thackeray said said addressing his party functionaries here.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed to hike the FSI in city up to eight, which would mean that construction up to eight times the plot size would be permissible in certain areas.

“They also plan to start a Metro service from Girgaum Chowpatty. Where will they find the path for this Metro? They will do so by removing the houses of Marathi speaking people living in the vicinity. If you have courage, start a Metro from the Malabar Hill area and show us,” he added.

“Thousands of trees are being cut in Aarey colony. This is happening suddenly…Why now? This is being done for certain people, who are in need of land for their vested interests. The mantra of these people is to sell Mumbai inch by inch… We won’t let development happen at the cost of common man,” Thackeray said.

In a bid to boost the sagging morale of his party functionaries after the crushing defeats in last year’s Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls, he said the party was not born to fight the elections.

“I do not fear losing an election as they keep coming and going. MNS was never born to fight elections, but for the people of Maharashtra,” Thackeray said addressing his party functionaries here.