Shri Devendra Fadnavis,

Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Just four months back people of Mumbai applauded your principled stand that BMC should take back all open spaces which had been given to private parties. Citizens had protested BMC’s attempt to alienate their rights over their property. We hailed your response to safeguard citizen’s interests. Many open spaces have been taken back. We did note that the open spaces usurped by politicians were not taken back, on the excuse that this would be done in a phased manner. Now there are disturbing reports that some of these spaces will be allowed continue in the possession of some private parties.

 This is dishonest. It appears that some favoured private organizations,- fronts for many politicians,- will be allowed to continue their hold over such spaces. This is a dishonest and condemnable move to deprive citizens of their open spaces. There is no need to handover property belonging to the poorest man to a few. In this slimy manner many open spaces have been allowed to be usurped earlier. This has been done in the garb of it being a ‘policy’. Citizens are aware that only the lands in the possession of politicians have not been taken over so far.

We expect that you will stop this nefarious move and ensure that these open spaces are taken back by BMC before 30 July, 2016. We have faith that you will do this. You have the power, responsibility and a duty to do this. If this is not done, citizens will know which corporators betrayed them and give their response in the municipal elections next year.