Protesting against a recent increase in rental charges for the use of theatres run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where Marathi plays are staged and cultural programmes are held, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) has demanded that the civic body reverse its move.

Voicing concerns of producers and organisers, Amey Ghole, Sena group leader in the civic body, wrote a letter to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide in this regard. The BMC increases the rent by 10 per cent annually. On April 1, 2026, the rent payable by those organising shows was increased by Rs 3000 to Rs 4000.