No renting of port for political events: Mumbai Port Trust

The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has prohibited renting land of domestic cruise terminal for the purpose of political meetings, political rallies or for political parties. The MbPT that is aiming to generate revenue by renting land for events in form of weddings and other functions has, however, said that no political events will be allowed on land of domestic cruise terminal at Victoria Dock near Mazgaon.

This as the MbPT officials inform that the step has been taken to avoid any controversies considering elections nearing, and there will be parties wanting to have meetings and rallies, and may prefer the port land for the same. But they have decided to not allow any political meetings. A MbPT official said, "We have recently invited those wanting to have weddings, promotional event, corporate meetings and any other meetings to rent our land parcel of around 6,000 square meters near the sea at Victoria docks but want to keep political parties out of it considering due to which there are blame games, and it becomes challenging for the administration to function due to it." Apart from having political meetings prohibited the MbPT has also said that fireworks and cracker bursting will not be allowed, in case anyone books the space.

A document on details of the space available for rent reads, "Meeting of political nature and fireworks/ crackers of any kind are not permitted." The document also mentions rent to be around Rs 70,000 for renting the space for one day. This will help MbPT until it finds a private operator.