“I’ll Resign if Navi Mumbai Airport Isn’t Named After D.B. Patil”: Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur
Published 18 Sep 2025, 6:22 PM IST
Key Points
- Resignation Threat: MLA Prashant Thakur has clearly stated he will resign from his post if the airport is given any name other than Loknete D.B. Patil.
- Pressure on Centre: He emphasized that the state government and legislature have already passed the resolution and the final decision now lies with the central government.
- Criticism of Opposition: Thakur accused political opponents of hypocrisy, stating they are only now supporting the D.B. Patil name for electoral gain, having previously advocated for other names.
- Inauguration Deadline: The demand is for the central government to officially approve the name before the airport’s scheduled inauguration on September 30th.
What it means for Navi Mumbai
This ultimatum dramatically raises the political stakes, transforming the naming controversy into a potential crisis for the ruling party in the region.
It places significant pressure on the BJP’s central leadership to honour the sentiments of the local populace and the resolution passed by its state unit.
Thakur’s firm stance could galvanize the project-affected persons (PAPs) and the Agri-Koli community, strengthening their resolve and potentially leading to larger protests if the demand is not met.
The statement solidifies the issue as a defining political matter for the region, where loyalty to D.B. Patil’s legacy is seen as a crucial test for any elected representative.
Conclusion
- Resignation Threat: Begin by detailing the core of the news – Prashant Thakur’s direct statement about resigning. Quote or accurately paraphrase his words from the start of the video. Mention that this confirms the information you were referring to earlier.
- The Justification: Explain his reasoning. The state government has completed all necessary procedures. He cites confirmations from Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol and Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis to show the ball is now in the Centre’s court.
- Political Context: Detail his criticism of other parties. Explain his point that their current support for D.B. Patil’s name is “opportunistic,” contrasting it with their previous stance and the absence of their senior leaders from earlier protests.
- Government Actions: Briefly contrast the actions of the current Mahayuti government (which passed the resolution in its first meeting) with the previous MVA government’s alleged reluctance.
- The Path Forward: Conclude by reiterating the call for the central government to formalize the name before the September 30th inauguration, making it clear that this is the immediate demand of the movement.
