Mumbai, August 23: Aditya Thackeray, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has voiced strong opposition to the proposed plan to convert the Neville D’Souza Football Turf, managed by the Mumbai Football Association, into an exhibition center. He accused the BJP of seizing sports grounds from players and youth. Thackeray emphasized that children and professional players have been using this ground for football for the past decade, but now the BJP aims to repurpose it.
Thackeray stated that this land was allocated to the Mumbai Football Association specifically for sports activities and should only be used for football. He alleged that the BJP intends to hand over this site to a trust by transforming it into an exhibition center, indicating a motive to encroach on the land. In response, a ‘Red Card Movement’ has been initiated to protest against this decision.
He further accused a specific trust and foundation in Bandra of attempting to occupy open plots and public spaces under political protection. Thackeray claimed that public and district planning funds are being misused to benefit such institutions, which raises concerns of conflict of interest.
The issue, according to Thackeray, is not about building sports facilities but rather about their privatization and control. He alleged that public properties in Mumbai are being exploited for private interests.
Referring to Lionel Messi’s visit to Mumbai, he noted that the world-renowned footballer was taken to a cricket stadium instead of football-related organizations. This, he argued, was merely a political stunt with no substantial efforts made for the development of football.
Thackeray mentioned “Project Mahadev,” which was announced but has not progressed. He claimed that selected children were sent back to their schools, and efforts to connect them to the project have stalled.
He criticized the gradual transformation of football grounds into concrete structures in Mumbai, which reduces sports facilities for youth. Targeting BJP leaders, he stated that the government is providing grounds and facilities to its close associates while neglecting the interests of ordinary players.
In response to statements regarding ‘screens’, Thackeray remarked that the BJP now fears both screens and public opinion. He pointed out that citizens of Mumbai face daily challenges like poor roads, yet the government focuses on sports grounds instead of addressing these issues.
He concluded by asserting that promoting grassroots sports is also in the national interest. The Red Card Movement is being conducted with this mindset, symbolizing that a red card is shown for mistakes or fouls in football, sending a message to the government to stay away from sports grounds and respect players’ rights.
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