Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (June 26, 2025) criticised the skyrocketing cost of housing in urban India, particularly in Mumbai, stating that the poor are being deprived of their right to dream due to unchecked real estate inflation.

In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, Mr. Gandhi shared a media report that claimed even the top 5% of urban households by income in Maharashtra would need more than 100 years of savings to afford a house in Mumbai, without taking loans.

Mumbai Real Estate: A Dream Too Far

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, has consistently ranked among the world’s most expensive real estate markets, with average property prices far outpacing the growth in household incomes.

Mr. Gandhi used the report to highlight the increasing economic disparity, questioning the government's policies on housing and affordability:

“What kind of a system makes it impossible even for high-earning urban families to own a home in their city? And what hope does this leave for the poor?” he asked in a follow-up post.

Right to Shelter Becomes a Luxury

The media report that Gandhi referred to underscores how housing in major Indian cities is fast becoming a luxury, rather than a basic right. It stated that even well-earning families are struggling, let alone the low-income or informal sector workers who make up a significant portion of urban populations.

Experts blame a mix of speculative real estate pricing, inadequate affordable housing projects, and lax regulation as contributing factors.

Political Focus on Inequality Widens

Rahul Gandhi has consistently positioned himself as a voice for the underprivileged and working class, frequently highlighting income inequality, job insecurity, and rising costs of living. His latest remarks are seen as part of a broader strategy to critique the ruling government’s handling of urban development and economic justice.

With key state elections and the 2029 general elections looming, housing affordability may emerge as a central electoral issue, particularly among India’s vast urban voter base.

Conclusion: A Call for Policy Reform

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks draw renewed attention to India’s deepening housing crisis, particularly in metros like Mumbai. As the affordability gap widens, calls for stronger public housing policy, rental reform, and inclusive urban planning are expected to intensify.

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