Pigeons deserve their space too: Aaditya urges Lodha to hand over land for feeding zone in public interest

In a sharp critique, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray took aim at BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha over the latter’s proposal to establish temporary, supervised zones for feeding pigeons at prominent locations like Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Aarey Colony, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Aaditya questioned the seriousness of this demand and sarcastically suggested that Lodha should offer one of his own plots of land for pigeon feeding if he is genuinely concerned.

 

The debate over pigeon feeding zones has stirred emotions across communities. Aaditya used this opportunity to express disapproval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ suggestion that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should implement a "controlled feeding" system until the legal matters surrounding pigeon feeding are resolved by the courts. With a hint of mockery, Aaditya remarked, “These are pigeons, not Eknath Shinde’s MLAs that you can control and regulate as per convenience.”

 

Speaking further, Aaditya highlighted the sentiments of several communities, particularly Jains, Gujaratis, and Marathi-speaking citizens, who, according to him, have deep-rooted traditions and emotional connections with the act of feeding pigeons. “While many see this as a spiritual or cultural practice, others may raise health concerns like respiratory issues. It’s important that the administration acknowledges the perspectives of all sides and arrives at a balanced decision,” he said.

 

Minister Lodha had recently written a letter to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, advocating for a peaceful and practical resolution to the issue. Lodha emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary's directives while also being mindful of animal lovers’ concerns.

 

Reacting to this, Aaditya questioned the BJP’s intentions, accusing the party of playing politics with the emotions of the Jain community for electoral gains. He pointed out an earlier incident from July 3, where a BJP MLC had brought up the issue of dismantling 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon shelters). Aaditya emphasized the inconsistency in BJP's approach — while one minister calls for demolition, another writes letters seeking to protect the same.