1 week ago
Ashish Shelar, Shiv Sena UBT Clash Over Bandra Ground
A disagreement is growing over a football ground in Bandra, Mumbai.
The ground is called Neville D’Souza ground.
Minister Ashish Shelar says the opposition is presenting the land issue inaccurately.
He says the land is not being sold.
He also wants to know which government body officially gave the ground its name.
Shiv Sena (UBT) does not want the ground’s character or use to be changed.
The BJP says open spaces should be protected and developed, not sold or converted into clubhouses.
The matter is currently being considered by the High Court.
Minister Ashish Shelar accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of distorting facts about Neville D’Souza ground.
Shelar questioned whether the plot was officially named after former footballer Neville D’Souza.
He rejected the allegation that the land was being sold and said development and sale were separate issues.
Shelar criticized the UBT’s open-space campaign by citing disputes involving Goregaon and Dahisar properties.
The redevelopment dispute is before the High Court, while Shiv Sena (UBT) opposes changes to the ground’s character or use.
- Who
- Minister Ashish Shelar, the BJP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) are involved in the dispute.
- What
- The dispute concerns the proposed redevelopment, ownership, naming, and future use of Neville D’Souza football ground.
- Where
- Neville D’Souza football ground in Bandra, Mumbai; Shelar also referenced properties in Goregaon and Dahisar.
- When
- The statements were reported on August 21, 2026.
- Why
- The sides disagree over whether the land is being sold and whether redevelopment could alter the ground’s character or use.
Shiv Sena (UBT)
BJP and Ashish Shelar
Future of the ground
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Opposes any move that could alter Neville D’Souza ground’s character or use.
BJP and Ashish Shelar
Says open spaces should be protected and developed, not sold or turned into clubhouses.
Land sale allegation
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Has alleged that the plot is being sold.
BJP and Ashish Shelar
Shelar rejects the allegation and says the BJP’s position is that the plot is not being sold.
Open-space campaign
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Has raised the Bandra ground issue as part of its open-space campaign.
BJP and Ashish Shelar
Shelar says the UBT should examine open-space issues in areas under its influence, including Goregaon and Dahisar.
Key facts
- Location
- Neville D’Souza football ground, Bandra, Mumbai
- Issue
- Proposed redevelopment and ownership of the football ground
- Ashish Shelar’s position
- Development and sale are separate, and the plot is not being sold
- Shiv Sena (UBT) position
- The ground’s character or use should not be altered
- Legal status
- The matter is before the High Court
- Additional sites cited
- Prabhodankar Thackeray ground in Goregaon and the Dahisar sports complex
Quotes
Ashish Shelar
BJP MLA and Maharashtra minister discussing the ground’s naming and ownership
“Let the court battle conclude for now. At the appropriate time, I will speak, lift the veil and place the truth before the public.”
freepressjournal.in
“Who gave the name Neville D’Souza to the ground? Was it the BMC, MHADA or the state government?”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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