MNS opposes revamp of Shivaji Park pool

The redevelopment of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool (MGMOSP) at Shivaji Park has sparked off a fresh row between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena.

MNS is opposed to the latter’s plans to construct a memorial for the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement at the pool, alleging the plan is a disguised means to privatise the prime property.

In its election manifesto, MNS had stated that it will support Shivaji Park locals in their movement to protect the Olympic-sized pool. “We are not against redevelopment. But the public should be taken into confidence. What is the need for another such memorial when there’s already one at Hutatma Chowk? And what is the guarantee that the site won’t be commercialised like the Veer Savarkar Memorial building? The redevelopment angle is just an eyewash since the elections are on,” said Yashwant Killedar, MNS divisional chief.

But Sena refutes this claim. “Elections have nothing to do with this project. The martyrs who laid down their lives for Maharashtra need recognition and this memorial will give detailed information about them. The pool is in genuine need of repairs due to leakages,” said Milind Vaidya, divisional chief, Shiv Sena.

When contacted, deputy municipal commissioner Vikram Pawar said, “We have all the necessary permissions. The memorial will be used as a hall for exhibitions. There will be a swimming pool, car park and a spectator’s gallery which the pool members can use.”