BJP MLC seeks Fadnavis help on Mumbai open space allotments

BJP MLC Amrish Patel has sought Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's immediate intervention to prevent the cancellation of three plots totalling 16 acres in Juhu and Andheri West leased to a trust he heads, Shri Vile Parle Kelawani Mandal (SVKM), which runs NMIMS. The Times of India reports that Fadnavis directed BMC chief Ashwini Bhide and MHADA officials to examine the request and do the needful. MHADA has allotted two plots of nearly 4 acres, and BMC proposed a 12-acre plot to the trust.

The allotments have been opposed by BJP MLA Ameet Satam, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and residents' groups, who argue that the plots are reserved open spaces and should remain public. The Free Press Journal notes that Patel, in his letter, credited Fadnavis with pushing for the allotments to provide sports facilities for 30,000 students. Satam has called the BMC's plan to lease the 12-acre plot at an annual rent of around Rs 21 lakh illegal, as the city's open spaces policy is not finalised.