Aaditya Thackeray Protests Plan to Convert Bandra Football Turf into Convention Centre

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray addressed a protest rally in Bandra on Sunday, opposing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to convert the Neville D’Souza football turf into a convention centre. During the demonstration, the former Maharashtra minister accused the civic body of handing over public open spaces to institutions linked to Bharatiya Janata Party lawmakers.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Thackeray warned that he would stage a sit-in protest outside the BMC headquarters if necessary to reclaim city open spaces. He also confirmed that a legal challenge has been initiated in court to protect and preserve the Bandra football turf from commercial redevelopment.

Mr. Thackeray insisted that Mumbai's recreational grounds, playgrounds, and open spaces must retain their original reservation status without alterations. He alleged that over the past four years, the reservation status of more than 15 open plots across the city has been modified for residential or commercial use.

He further claimed that three plots in the Andheri-Juhu area are currently being transferred to institutions controlled by BJP lawmakers. In another instance, he stated that the reservation of an open plot originally designated for a sports complex had been altered to accommodate a petrol pump.

Defending his party's prior administration of the civic body, Mr. Thackeray stated that when the Shiv Sena controlled the BMC, it did not permit changes to the reservation status of public open plots. He noted that while he is not opposed to urban development, it must be executed in a sustainable manner that protects public recreational spaces.