Open plots in Mumbai being given to BJP-linked organisations, alleges Aaditya Thackeray

Thackeray's allegations

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday accused the BJP-controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of giving open spaces to institutions linked to the party’s lawmakers, reported ThePrint and The Hindu. He was speaking at a rally organised to protest against the BMC’s decision to convert the Neville D’Souza football turf in Bandra into a convention centre. Thackeray, who is also president of the Mumbai Football Association, made the remarks at the ‘Maidan Bachao Tiranga Andolan’ at Bandra Reclamation, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Thackeray warned that he would stage a sit-in inside the BMC office to reclaim the open spaces if a need arises. He also said a legal battle has been initiated in court to save the ground, as reported by ThePrint and The Hindu.

Specific allegations

Thackeray said that for the last four years, the reservation of more than 15 open plots has been changed to residential or commercial, according to the reports by ThePrint and The Hindu. In an earlier remark on Saturday, he claimed that 17 to 18 open plots had been “stolen” in the last four years, as a separate ThePrint report said. The figure differs between the two sets of remarks: the earlier claim of 17 to 18 plots was made on Saturday, while the Sunday statement said “more than 15” – both attributed to Thackeray.

He further asserted that when his party controlled the BMC, it did not allow any change in the reservation of open plots, as ThePrint and The Hindu reported. Thackeray also said that three plots in Andheri-Juhu are being given to institutions controlled by BJP lawmakers, and that the reservation of a plot meant for a sports complex has been changed to make way for a petrol pump, according to ThePrint and The Hindu.

In addition, Thackeray claimed that a plot in Mulund East was reserved for a sports complex but it is now being allotted for a petrol pump, according to ThePrint. He also maintained that 22 bus depots of BEST, two plots in Mulund, and a football ground were being given to BJP-linked organisations, ThePrint reported. He said his party would stage a protest over the issue in Bandra West.

Other properties

Thackeray referred to the Rangsharda auditorium and a hotel, alleging that notices had been issued as part of an attempt to take over the property, as reported by Hindustan Times. He also said Bandra residents had raised concerns about a plot in Pali Hill, alleging that construction had begun using funds from district planning and development schemes. At Bandra Reclamation, Thackeray questioned an arrangement under which a plot had been given to a private organisation for maintenance, alleging that residents were being charged ₹7,000 per hour to use the ground.

He further alleged that the Andheri Sports Complex had been handed over to a trust linked to a BJP MLC for ₹21 lakh per year, and that “two more plots were given to the same trust by the chief minister,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Response to Fadnavis

Thackeray also responded to a remark by Fadnavis about interaction with Gen Z, asking how they would spend time on maidans if the maidans are taken away, reported Hindustan Times. He said he is not opposed to development, but it should be done in a sustainable manner, as reported by ThePrint and The Hindu.

Status of open spaces

Thackeray said Mumbai’s open spaces, playgrounds and recreational grounds should be kept as they are, without changing their reservation status, as per ThePrint and The Hindu.