Mahalaxmi Race Course lease to be extended, Shiv Sena-BJP rift widens
Ever since they formed coalition governments at the Centre and the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena haven't exactly coexisted peacefully.
The latest flashpoint is the state government's decision to extend the leases of 160 plots of land located at premium South Mumbai. The leases of 101 plots have already expired and 47 are yet to expire. These plots include Mahalaxmi Race Course that is controlled by Royal Western India Turf Club. Its 99-year lease of 8.55 lakh square metres expired in 2013.
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When the proposal was moved in the cabinet meeting, it came as a major blow to Shiv Sena ministers. But Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ignored the opposition and got the state cabinet to approve the proposal.
The decision is now being seen as BJP's reply to the Shiv Sena for past criticisms, which has a wide range - from potholes in Mumbai to neglecting its MLAs and ministers and keeping them away from decision making in the government. The Shiv Sena leadership even resorted to bitter criticism of BJP over the recent Uri attack.
Despite the bitter criticism by the oldest ally, BJP has not openly retaliated, except for during the campaigning period for Kalyan Dombivli municipal elections.
Getting turfed out
The plots of land categorised as Schedule W originally belonged to Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT) which was dissolved in 1926. Since then, the ownership of some of these lands is contested between the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the state.
When the issue of expiry of the least had come up initially, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray had opposed the extension of the lease and proposed that a theme park on the plot, his main contention being that it would be highly beneficial for the public at large.
The theme park became Thackeray's pet project, and Shiv Sena tried to make it a reality as quickly as possible. The party, on the basis of majority in MCGM, had the proposal to build the theme park passed quickly.
But the decision of the state government to extend the lease has thwarted all plans for the project.
Shiv Sena party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, "It is highly unfortunate. Ultimately, the people of Mumbai are going to suffer. This is an anti-Mumbai move of the state government."
When contacted, BJP leaders refused to comment on the issue. "We never reacted to the criticism by Shiv Sena. Now also, we will not react. It is not just the Race Course - there are 160 such plots across the city. But everyone, from the common man of the city to the state, will benefit from this decision. The increased rent for these plots would ultimately go to the coffers of the MCGM and the state government. This fund can then be utilised for the benefit of the people," a senior BJP leader said.
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First published: 28 September 2016, 8:42 IST
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