Amin Patel, one of many corporators who contested the Assembly polls and among the few to win, has redevelopment of dilapidated structures in Mumbadevi constituency on top priority.

What sets him apart from other MLAs with the same agenda is that he is against private builders taking up such a project. Patel, 46, would rather have the government funding the redevelopment.

“There are about 12,000 such structures in the constituency, which is a concern. There are various schemes through which the redevelopment can be done under the Development Control Rules. My agenda is to redevelop them through MHADA with funds from centre and state governments,” Patel said.

According to Patel, once the private builder comes into the picture the project tends to become less tenant-friendly. “Builders only come forward if there is a lucrative offer and the project would not be in the best interest of the tenants. During Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure Dharavi received funds from the PM’s Grant Project.”

The state government is clearing proposals on redevelopment of buildings, including dilapidated ones by private builders. Of the cluster redevelopment approach of the government, he said, “There are a few proposals that have been approved, but this scheme is unlikely to benefit tenants. But in cases like the one where the Bohra community is redeveloping will be good.”

Patel was elected corporator in 2007 defeating a Sena corporator who had represented the seat for 10 years. In the Assembly polls, again, Patel defeated four-time MLA Bashir M Patel, contesting on a Samajwadi Party ticket. “I was always confident despite being written off. It was always a Congress seat and the Samajwadi Party candidate had no chance,” Patel said. He added that his work as a corporator in the area has worked in his favour.

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