Marathi Woman Allegedly Denied Rental Home in Bhayandar; Minister Pratap Sarnaik Extends Support

A fresh controversy over alleged housing discrimination has surfaced in Mira-Bhayandar after a Marathi-speaking woman claimed she was denied a rental home solely because of her linguistic identity.

According to the woman, *Ravina Shinde*, originally from Virar, she recently started operating a tea and snacks stall in Mira-Bhayandar. To manage her business more conveniently, she began searching for accommodation near her workplace along with her husband and young daughter.

Shinde said that she visited a room near the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation headquarters through a property broker and liked the premises. However, during further discussions, she was allegedly informed by the property owner, identified as *Jaya Bafia*, that the room would not be rented to her because she was Marathi.

The woman claimed that despite explaining that her family does not consume non-vegetarian food and requesting reconsideration, the owner allegedly refused to rent the property.

The incident drew the attention of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who strongly criticized the alleged discrimination. Reacting to the matter, Sarnaik stated that while political differences may exist, denying housing to Marathi-speaking citizens in Maharashtra is unacceptable.

Expressing solidarity with the woman, the minister visited her tea stall in Bhayandar West on Friday and interacted with her family. He also indicated that a letter would be submitted to the police seeking action and the registration of a case against those responsible if the allegations are found to be true.

The incident has once again sparked a debate over housing discrimination and the rights of local residents seeking accommodation in the rapidly growing Mira-Bhayandar region.