The Bombay High Court's interim order on Shivaji Park here has upset politicians, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal terming the decision as "sad". "I do respect the HC's decision, but it is sad that the Shivaji Park ground would not be allowed for general rallies and programmes," Bhujbal told reporters here. The High Court today directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to notify Shivaji Park, the favourite venue of political parties for rallies, as a "silence zone". "The park is a historic place, and many big leaders including Indira Gandhi have addressed people there. Rallies organised by the parties is a part of democracy to express their view," he said.
The sprawling park is also the venue of Shiv Sena's annual Dussehra rally. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said "this is a very harsh decision." "It is true that the ground should be reserved for players instead of other programmes. But MCGM can hike the rent of the ground so that limited programmes would take place," Raj said. The court, in response to a PIL, said programmes can be held at the park only on December 6 (death anniversary of B R Ambedkar), May 1 (Maharashtra foundation day) and on January 26.
The sprawling park is also the venue of Shiv Sena's annual Dussehra rally. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said "this is a very harsh decision." "It is true that the ground should be reserved for players instead of other programmes. But MCGM can hike the rent of the ground so that limited programmes would take place," Raj said. The court, in response to a PIL, said programmes can be held at the park only on December 6 (death anniversary of B R Ambedkar), May 1 (Maharashtra foundation day) and on January 26.
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