With Ganesh Naik inducted as a cabinet minister in the newly formed state government, Navi Mumbaikars are optimistic about the resolution of long-pending civic issues. Naik’s return to a ministerial role after a decade ends his political exile, raising hopes for impactful governance in the region.

Over the last five years, Naik frequently engaged with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to address local problems. Now, as a minister, he has the authority to directly influence resolutions without relying on intermediary meetings.

Key challenges awaiting Naik include the regularization of houses built by project-affected individuals, the transfer of node-wise plots from CIDCO to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to improve civic infrastructure, and the permanent inclusion of contractual employees into the municipal workforce. Pending projects like the distribution of 100 sq. ft. plots to 1,587 BMTC workers also demand immediate attention.

Infrastructure upgrades remain a priority, with stalled projects like the Ghansoli-Airoli Palm Beach Road, Turbhe-Kharghar Road Project, and Airoli-Katai Road Project requiring urgent intervention. Additionally, Navi Mumbai faces challenges such as growing parking issues, increasing encroachments, and the menace of drugs, all of which need decisive action to preserve the city’s planned development ethos.

As Navi Mumbai strives to maintain its cleanliness and organized urban environment, Naik will also need to ensure CIDCO releases ₹125 crore to NMMC to expedite infrastructure work.

Ganesh Naik's political journey reflects his resilience. Previously a minister in the Congress-NCP government, he lost his Belapur seat in 2014 but returned as the Airoli MLA in 2019 after joining the BJP. Despite being sidelined for a ministerial position during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Naik has now been included in the cabinet, fulfilling his long-awaited ambition.