Furore Over High-Profile Liquor Party at Mumbai’s Historic Bandra Fort; CM Fadnavis Orders Probe

Mumbai’s 400-year-old Bandra Fort, a renowned heritage site overlooking the Arabian Sea, has become the center of a major political storm after a high-profile liquor party was allegedly hosted on its premises. With elections around the corner in Maharashtra, the incident has triggered sharp reactions from the opposition, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order immediate action.

Political Uproar After Video Goes Viral

The controversy erupted when Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Akhil Chitre shared a video on his social media account, claiming that a liquor party had been organised at the heritage monument with full arrangements, including counters for serving alcohol. The video also showed the presence of women at the event.

Chitre accused the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of allowing illegal activities at a site that stands as a witness to Portuguese, British and Maratha-era history. The opposition quickly seized the issue, alleging a breakdown of law and order and accusing the BJP-led government of double standards.

Fadnavis Responds: “Action Will Be Taken”

Reacting to the outrage, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was informed about the incident, even though he had not personally viewed the video.
“If such a party has been permitted at Bandra Fort, then strict action will definitely be taken,” Fadnavis assured.

The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid increasing political pressure, with leaders demanding accountability from BMC, the excise department, and the tourism authorities.

Opposition Questions Permission for Alcohol at a Heritage Site

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned how the administration could approve an event serving liquor inside a heritage fort.
“This is a protected historical site. Who allowed such a party here?” he asked.

Uddhav camp leader Akhil Chitre went a step further, targeting the government’s cultural rhetoric.
“What is happening in the state’s forts? How can BMC and the excise department permit a liquor party at a monument built by the Portuguese and preserved through British and Maratha history?” he said.
“This is the hypocrisy of BJP and its allies—preaching Hindutva while promoting such activities.”

Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam also termed the incident serious and demanded action against those responsible.

Video Shows Full Arrangements for Serving Alcohol

The video shared online shows structured arrangements, including large counters offering liquor and a crowd participating freely. The presence of women at the event countered the claim that it was an informal gathering, suggesting that it was a systematically organised party rather than a small private event.