Former corporator Makarand Narwekar has called for a referendum by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to be held before proceeding with the redevelopment of the racecourse land. Narwekar argues that the racecourse land belongs to the people of Mumbai, and the approval of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) members alone is insufficient. He states that the BMC cannot impose a unilateral decision on the citizens and should allow them to determine whether the racecourse land should remain as is or be included in the proposed redevelopment plan.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner, Narwekar highlights the role of corporators as the voice of citizens in the BMC. However, since the BMC currently does not have an elected body, he emphasizes the need for greater public participation in deciding the fate of the racecourse land. If the BMC fails to conduct a referendum, Narwekar declares his intention to raise the issue with CM Eknath Shinde.
The Commissioner of BMC had previously clarified that the redevelopment plan does not include an amusement park but instead envisions the development of a theme-based public garden.
