CM Prithviraj Chavan on Friday expressed concern over the absence of open grounds for sports. He opposed the private bill moved by MNS’ Mangesh Sangle in the legislative Assembly demanding permission for political rallies in these grounds.
Opposing the bill, he said that the grounds were for the purpose of sports. “Political parties definitely need grounds to hold rallies. However, if we do not have restrictions imposed, the grounds won’t be available for sports,” Mr Chavan said.
The CM alleged that such a sensitive issue has been politicised, and said that there are not many medal hopes in the forthcoming London Olympics due to lack of adequate amenities. Speaking about the silence zone declared at Shivaji Park, he added that the court needed to intervene because there were encroachments on open grounds reserved for sports, even by political parties.
“When restrictions are imposed by us, the basic idea is that of making the grounds available for sports. Other issues, such as noise pollution, are also balancing provisions. We need to consider all this because we are already short of open grounds,” he added.
Admitting his desire to making public speeches, he said, “We all like giving speeches in front of crowds. However, what about the future generation? I request you to please withdraw the bill.”
Mr Sangle, on the other hand, said that all that he had demanded was to allow political parties to use grounds for 30 days. However, Mr Sangle withdrew the bill after the CM promised to hold a meeting with all parties and consider their views on the issue.