Massive car rally demands naming of Navi Mumbai International Airport after late leader D. B. Patil

BHIWANDI: A large-scale car rally has been organized on Sunday, September 14, from Bhiwandi to Jassai village in Navi Mumbai to demand that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport be named after late D.

B. Patil. The rally will begin at 9 a.m. from Mankoli area in Bhiwandi and will see the participation of over 2,000 cars.Organizers said the rally will proceed in a disciplined manner, culminating in Jassai village where tributes will be paid to D. B. Patil. They emphasized that this movement is now a fight for justice and will continue until their demand is fulfilled. At a press conference on Friday, Bhiwandi Lok Sabha MP of NCP (SP) Suresh Mhatre alias Bhalya Mama, warned the central government not to test their patience.

He pointed out that despite the state government, several political parties, organizations, and local bhoomiputras being supportive of naming the airport after D. B. Patil, the central government has been deliberately ignoring the demand and indulging in delaying tactics. Mhatre issued a stern warning: “Until Navi Mumbai International Airport is officially named after D. B. Patil, its inauguration will not be allowed to take place.

The central government will be solely responsible for the consequences.”Mhatre also reminded that although D. B. Patil was a national leader and great social reformer, some politicians had restricted his recognition to Thane and Raigad districts. “His contribution to the Agri-Koli and local communities is vast. For us, having the airport named after him is both an emotional and rightful demand,” he said.