Rane, in his reply, tweeted that he will come and remove it, adding that he would announce the day and time so that they can be prepared.
The open-air fitness station on the Marine Drive promenade opposite Police Gymkhana has now started a political war between Nitesh Rane and Shiv Sena leaders. After Sena leader Pandurang Sakpal dared Rane and the BMC to take action against the fitness station and then face the consequences, Rane accepted the challenge.
The fitness station, which was inaugurated by Aaditya Thackeray, along with Dino Morea and Jacqueline Fernandes last Wednesday, was removed by the BMC and then resurrected within hours. The station has been granted permission for only three months by the municipal commissioner, and it has approval letter only from A ward and not from C ward.
Rane, on Friday, had said that if the BMC can't remove the illegal fitness station, then he and other members of his organisation will remove it. This had enraged the Sena, and Sakpal had circulated posters and handouts in the area, besides going on social networking sites, challenging Rane.
Rane, in his reply, tweeted that he will come and remove it, adding that he would announce the day and time so that they can be prepared.
Meanwhile, C ward officer Sangeeta Hasnale has submitted a report over the controversy. The report states that Morea's company DM Fitness Pvt Ltd did not seek any permission from the ward. "The fitness station on the promenade has permission from A ward but not from C ward," says the report.
The report also mentions that former municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte had declined permission in a similar case, citing BMC policy, which does not allow such fitness stations on the promenade.
Earlier...
In an official communication, former union minister for telecommunication and information technology Milind Deora had requested permission for an open-air fitness station on the Marine Drive promenade. However, in a letter dated January 16, 2013, then BMC chief Sitaram Kunte had conveyed, "No permanent or temporary structure is allowed on road and footpath; hence, it is regretted that NOC for erection of an open-air fitness station on the Marine Drive promenade cannot be issued." The reason cited for the denial was BMC policy dated 14-12-1999, which restricts such an activity.
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