Mumbai, February — In a significant development, former corporator Makarand Narwekar, a prominent BJP leader from Colaba, has raised his voice against the proposed redevelopment of the iconic Mahalaxmi racecourse. Narwekar has demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conduct a referendum before proceeding with any plans for the racecourse.
The Land Belongs to Mumbaikars
Narwekar’s stance is clear: the sprawling land that houses the Mahalaxmi racecourse belongs to the people of Mumbai. He contends that the approval of 540 members of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC)—the governing body overseeing the racecourse—is insufficient to make decisions about its future. The racecourse, with its rich history and cultural significance, holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars.
A Call for Citizen Participation
In a letter addressed to BMC Chief IS Chahal, Narwekar emphasized that the civic body should not impose unilateral decisions on the city’s residents. Instead, he advocates for direct citizen participation in determining the fate of the racecourse. Should it remain untouched, preserving its current form, or become part of the proposed redevelopment plan? These are questions that Narwekar believes should be answered collectively by the people of Mumbai.
BMC’s Clarification and the Proposed Vision
BMC Chief IS Chahal has previously clarified that there will be no amusement park on the racecourse land. Instead, the vision includes transforming it into a theme-based public garden. The goal is to strike a balance between preserving green spaces and meeting the city’s evolving needs.
The Threat of Escalation
Narwekar’s determination is unwavering. He has vowed to escalate the matter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde if BMC fails to heed his call for a referendum. As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the future of the Mahalaxmi racecourse—a piece of Mumbai’s heritage caught in the crossfire of progress and sentiment.
