A former corporator from Colaba, Makarand Narwekar, has demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hold a referendum before going ahead with the redevelopment of Mahalaxmi racecourse. Narwekar, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), believes that the land belongs to the people of Mumbai and that the approval of the Royal Western India Turf Club is not sufficient. He argues that the decision should be made collectively by the citizens of Mumbai. If the BMC fails to hold a referendum, Narwekar plans to take up the issue with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The BMC chief, IS Chahal, has clarified that there will be no amusement park, but rather a theme-based public garden will be developed.