Aaditya Thackeray calls for protest against BMC over Mumbai open spaces on August 23

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray calls for protest in Bandra (Pic/X@AadityaThackeray)

Worli MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday announced a protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), accusing the civic body and the state government of taking away Mumbai's open spaces and handing them over for commercial development.

Thackeray, while taking it to social media handle X, called on the citizens to join the demonstration against what he described as the "snatching away" of open spaces, sports complexes, and playgrounds in the city.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's post comes days after the BMC approved a proposal to develop a convention centre at the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra West, replacing the existing football ground.

In his post, Thackeray said the protest would be held under the slogan of protecting Mumbai's open spaces. He also urged participants to attend without party flags.

"Join us against the State regime and the BMC snatching away open spaces, sports complexes, and playgrounds to hand them over to their favoured builders and contractors," Thackeray said in his post.

He further called on citizens to come together "beyond all divides" to protect the city's open spaces and said the protest would feature "red cards" against what he termed the "land loot of Mumbai" by the BJP.

He noted, "No party flags, only ours. And red cards for the land loot of Mumbai at the hands of the BJP. Let's come together, beyond all divides, to protect Mumbai's open spaces.

Protest at Neville D'Souza Football Turf

The protest has been scheduled for Sunday, August 23, at 5 pm at Neville D'Souza Football Turf in Bandra West.

Thackeray said the demonstration would not be restricted to political party workers and appealed to citizens to participate. He also said the national flag would be the only flag allowed at the protest.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has frequently raised concerns over the redevelopment and commercial use of Mumbai's open spaces, including playgrounds and recreational grounds.

The latest protest is expected to put the spotlight on the BMC's decision concerning the Neville D'Souza Football Ground and the broader debate over the use and preservation of public open spaces in Mumbai.