Somaiyya alleges ‘15-year monopoly scam’ at BMC’s Mulund & Andheri sports complexes

Richa PintoMumbai: BJP neta and former MP Kirit Somaiya on Wednesday alleged a major irregularity in the functioning of the Brihanmumbai Kreeda and Lalitkala Pratisthan, claiming that the sports complexes, both at Mulund known as Kalidas and the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Andheri, had effectively been “mortgaged” to private contractors through long-term agreements.He further alleged that during the tenure of former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar in 2021, large portions of the Mulund sports and cultural complex were handed over to a private hospitality firm under a contract extending until Dec 12, 2035.According to Somaiya, the agreement covers auditoriums, halls, grounds, gardens and other spaces spread across nearly 20 acres and around nine lakh square feet. He alleged that the contractor had been granted monopoly rights to host weddings, events and catering activities at the complex, which he claimed deviated from the institution’s original objective of promoting sports, arts and cultural activities.

“The trust was established for literature, fine arts, sports and theatre activities for Mumbaikars.

Instead, these complexes have been turned into centres for weddings and private commercial events,” Somaiya alleged.Kishori Pednekar, a corporator and a former mayor, couldn’t be reached for comment. A source close to her said, “Even if she was chairing the committee as a chairperson, the trust comprises other officials as well, including the municipal commissioner and additional municipal commissioner.

In such a case, one cannot target just the former mayor.”Somaiyya said on Friday that a site visit is being conducted with the Mumbai mayor, Ritu Tawade, and that steps to curb irregularities would be suggested. “The agreements made were 'illegal and corrupt” and an inquiry should be initiated into the contracts. I have written to the current mayor seeking immediate cancellation of the agreements,” he said.Civic officials said that they were examining the complaint made by Somaiyya. “It’s correct that Brihanmumbai Kreeda and Lalitkala Pratisthan is a separate entity which is headed by the chairperson. The powers with regard to it functioning are vested with the corporation and a corporation resolution is final in matters pertaining to it,” said the official.