Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Aaditya Thackeray Opposes Bandra Ground Conversion, Calls For Protest
A plan was proposed to change a football ground in Bandra into an exhibition and convention centre.
Aaditya Thackeray said the ground should remain available for sports and children.
He asked people to join a peaceful protest on Sunday.
He asked them to carry the Indian Tricolour instead of political party flags.
The Mumbai Football Association challenged the plan in court.
The Bombay High Court temporarily stopped further action by the civic body.
The court said open spaces are important for children and future generations.
Thackeray also alleged that other public spaces were being taken over or privatised.
He questioned alleged spending on social-media promotion by Mumbai’s mayor.
Aaditya Thackeray opposed changing Bandra Reclamation’s Neville D’Souza Football Ground from a playground to an exhibition and convention centre.
He urged Mumbaikars to gather Sunday at 5 p.m. with Tricolours and without political party flags to protest the proposed change.
The Bombay High Court temporarily restrained the civic body from taking further action until the next hearing, scheduled for September 10.
The Mumbai Football Association challenged the reservation change, while the court emphasized preserving open spaces for children and future generations.
Thackeray also alleged that public spaces and 22 BEST plots were being targeted or privatised, and questioned alleged spending on social-media promotion by Mayor Ritu Tawde.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, the Mumbai Football Association, the Mumbai civic body, MHADA and the Bombay High Court are involved.
- What
- A proposed change to the Neville D’Souza Football Ground’s reservation is being challenged, with Thackeray calling for a protest against the plan and alleged loss of open spaces.
- When
- Thackeray spoke on Thursday; the protest was called for Sunday at 5 p.m., and the next court hearing is scheduled for September 10.
- Where
- Neville D’Souza Football Ground, Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai.
- Why
- The civic body and MHADA proposed converting the ground’s reservation from a playground to an exhibition and convention centre; opponents say open spaces and playgrounds should be preserved.
Preserve Open Spaces
Change the Ground’s Reservation
Neville D’Souza ground
Preserve Open Spaces
Aaditya Thackeray and the Mumbai Football Association oppose changing the playground reservation and argue that open spaces should remain available for children and sports.
Change the Ground’s Reservation
The Mumbai civic body and MHADA proposed changing the reservation to an exhibition and convention centre; the article does not state their reasons for the proposal.
Public land and playgrounds
Preserve Open Spaces
Thackeray alleged that ruling parties were systematically reducing open spaces and playgrounds, including through the alleged privatisation of 22 BEST plots.
Change the Ground’s Reservation
The article reports these as Thackeray’s allegations and does not include a response from the ruling parties or civic authorities.
Court intervention
Preserve Open Spaces
The Bombay High Court emphasized that open spaces should be preserved for children and future generations and temporarily halted further civic action.
Change the Ground’s Reservation
The court’s restraint is temporary, with the matter scheduled for another hearing on September 10.
- Ground
- Neville D’Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai
- Proposed use
- Exhibition and convention centre
- Current reservation
- Playground
- Court status
- The Bombay High Court temporarily restrained the civic body from taking further action until the next hearing.
- Next hearing
- September 10
- Protest call
- Sunday at 5 p.m.; participants were asked to carry the Tricolour and avoid political party flags.
- Additional allegation
- Thackeray claimed that 22 plots belonging to BEST were already being privatised.