'Bhrashtnath Shinde Must Resign': Aditya Thackeray Demands ED Probe Into ₹15,000 Crore MMRDA Tender Scam

In a scathing attack, Yuva Sena chief and MLA Aditya Thackeray has demanded an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against minister Eknath Shinde, whom he referred to as 'Bhrashtnath' Shinde, over alleged corruption in the tendering process for key infrastructure projects by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Thackeray also called for Shinde’s immediate resignation and removal from his ministerial post until the investigation is completed.

The MMRDA recently cancelled tenders worth approximately ₹15,000 crore related to the ambitious Gaimukh-Thane to Fountain Hotel Naka-Vasai twin tunnel project, and the Fountain Hotel Naka-Vasai to Bhayander elevated road project. Fresh tenders are expected to be floated for these projects.

Bhrashtanath Shinde’s department @MMRDAOfficial had to scrap a tender today because the Hon’ble Supreme Court pointed out the unfair practice it followed in issuing it.

This is the very same tender- Thane- Bhayandar- Ghodbandar elevated road and twin tunnel tender, that I had…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 31, 2025

Thackeray congratulated L&T for showing courage by challenging the MMRDA’s tender process in court—a move that led to judicial reprimand and subsequent cancellation of the tenders. He reiterated that irregularities had been suspected from the beginning, especially due to the issuance of “short tenders,” and noted that he had raised these concerns multiple times in press conferences.

“From day one, this process was questionable. Despite MMRDA extending the tender period following public objections, the court has now proven that this was indeed a scam,” said Thackeray. “Today, headlines read ‘Sattamev Jayate’ instead of ‘Satyamev Jayate’—highlighting the misuse of power.”

Thackeray directly questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking whether the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) or ED would initiate an inquiry against Shinde, who held the MMRDA portfolio. He also raised concerns about past irregularities during Shinde’s earlier tenure with the same department.

“We urge Devendra Fadnavis to take immediate action. He must seek Shinde’s resignation and keep him away from the ministry until the investigation concludes. We believe Fadnavis doesn’t need Shinde, especially with Ajit Pawar already backing him,” Thackeray added.

“The tender process itself was flawed from the beginning. It’s now the responsibility of the Chief Minister to protect the interests of the state and its people,” Thackeray concluded.

Meanwhile, Congress State President Harshwardhan Sapkal also strongly criticised Shinde and the Mahayuti alliance.

"The Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to the BJP-led state government over the Ghodbunder-Bhayander tunnel and elevated road project. The government's flaws were exposed in court, forcing the state to cancel the tender. This project is riddled with irregularities and involves corruption worth crores of rupees. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accepted a bribe of ₹3,000 crore," Sapkal alleged.

Speaking to the media, Sapkal further stated that the tender of another bidder was cancelled under the pretext of technical reasons, and the project was awarded to Megha Infrastructure Company. He questioned, "Whose company is Megha Infrastructure? What is the real story behind this? The truth has now come to light. The cancellation of the tender by MMRDA does not put an end to this matter—this is a case of corruption."

Sapkal alleged that Fadnavis and Shinde have created a "corridor of corruption" in the state. He claimed that MMRDA, MHADA, CIDCO, and SRA are all part of this nexus. Since Shinde became Chief Minister, this "circle of corruption" has been active. Favourite officers are appointed, and through them, preferred contractors are awarded projects.

"This issue is not limited to just one project. Projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Pune Ring Road, Virar-Alibaug Corridor, and the Shaktipeeth Highway have all become breeding grounds for corruption. A vicious cycle of power and wealth is ongoing. Projects in the Thane and Mumbai regions are also part of this massive scandal. Even the funds used during elections came from this racket. They’ve been given a free hand," he said.

"In Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Navi Mumbai, and other municipal corporations in the state, administrators appointed by the state government are in control. Through this system, Fadnavis and Shinde have started a racket. It appears that corruption worth ₹1 lakh crore is taking place through these means," he added.

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