Anybody can live in Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan said on Thursday that there was no other city in the world on par with Mumbai and anybody can live there.

"Anybody can live in Mumbai. Only Mumbai can compete with itself. The rich, middle class and the poor co-exist here," the governor said during an informal interaction with mediapersons, his first since taking over the gubernatorial post.

He felt that even though civic and infrastructure facilities needed to be upgraded in the megapolis, migration from other parts of the country cannot be curbed. "Water, transport woes are common sufferings all over the world. We need to focus on how to improve it," he said.

The governor stressed the need for unanimity on development issues. "Politics should be kept for elections only," he said.

Sankaranarayanan said he would concentrate on ensuring that other regions of the state are not discriminated against as compared to Mumbai in terms of development.

Referring to the issue of extension to statutory development boards, he said the boards existed because they were necessary. "Opinion expressed from various quarters is not a decision. Government would take the right decision."

On the delay in appointment of vice-chancellor of Mumbai university, the Governor, who is the chancellor of universities in the state, said, "a proficient and able V-C will take charge without delay."