Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Thackeray Alleges Mumbai Open Spaces Given to BJP-Linked Groups
Aaditya Thackeray says some public spaces in Mumbai are being given to groups connected to the BJP.
He called this corruption and said Mumbai’s land is being sold.
He claimed three plots were offered to a trust linked to a BJP lawmaker at a very low price.
He also said a football ground in Bandra West could be changed into a convention centre.
Thackeray warned that this could hurt thousands of football players and students.
He further alleged that 22 BEST plots are being privatised.
A protest rally called the Tiranga rally is planned in Bandra on Sunday.
The Bombay High Court criticized the city corporation over the football ground decision.
Aaditya Thackeray alleged that Mumbai open spaces are being given to people linked to the ruling BJP.
He claimed three plots are being given to a BJP lawmaker’s trust at a low price.
Thackeray said Bandra West’s Neville D’Souza football ground could become a convention centre.
He alleged that 22 plots belonging to BEST are already being privatised.
The Bombay High Court criticized the BMC for changing the football ground’s reservation despite a status quo promise.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray made the allegations; the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the BJP were referenced in connection with the disputed decisions.
- What
- Thackeray alleged that Mumbai open spaces and public plots are being privatized or transferred to people and organizations linked to the BJP.
- When
- The allegations and court proceedings were reported on Thursday, August 20; the protest rally was announced for Sunday.
- Where
- Mumbai, including Bandra and Bandra West.
- Why
- Thackeray said the rally would protest decisions affecting public open spaces, including the proposed change to the Neville D’Souza football ground.
- Allegation
- Thackeray accused the BJP and civic authorities of corruption and favoritism involving Mumbai land.
- Disputed football ground
- The Neville D’Souza football ground in Bandra West was proposed for conversion into an exhibition or convention centre.
- BEST plots
- Thackeray claimed 22 plots belonging to the city’s public bus undertaking, BEST, are being privatised.
- Other plot allegation
- He alleged that an open space intended for a sports complex is being given to a petrol pump.
- Court action
- The Bombay High Court expressed displeasure with the BMC over the reservation change.
- Protest
- A Tiranga rally was announced in Bandra for Sunday, with Congress and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena expected to participate.