Mumbai: Minister Ashish Shelar Hits Back At Shiv Sena UBT Over Bandra's Neville D’Souza Ground Redevelopment Row

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar has hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT) over the proposed redevelopment of Neville D’Souza football ground in Bandra, rejecting claims that the plot is being sold. With the matter before the High Court, Shelar questioned the land’s ownership and the authority behind its naming.

Minister Ashish Shelar has challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) claims over the proposed redevelopment and ownership of the Bandra football ground | AI Generated Image

Mumbai, August 21, 2026: As the controversy over the proposed redevelopment of Neville D’Souza football ground in Bandra intensified, BJP MLA and minister Ashish Shelar on Thursday slammed the Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing it of distorting facts about the land’s ownership and intended use.

Shelar Questions Land Ownership

Shelar dismissed the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s allegation that the plot was being sold, and questioned who had officially named it after former Indian footballer Neville D’Souza.

“Who gave the name Neville D’Souza to the ground? Was it the BMC, MHADA or the state government?” he asked, asserting that the facts would eventually come out.

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As the issue is before the High Court, Shelar said he would hold his fire for now. “Let the court battle conclude for now. At the appropriate time, I will speak, lift the veil and place the truth before the public,” he said.

Shelar Attacks Open-Space Campaign

Hitting back at the Shiv Sena (UBT) over its open-space campaign, Shelar said the opposition should first put its own house in order and examine open-space issues in areas under its influence.

He said a “Tirana yatra” by the UBT should start from Prabhodankar Thackeray ground in Goregaon. He also raised questions over the Dahisar sports complex, asking who owned the land, who was occupying it and who had the legal rights over the property.

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Bandra Ground Row Continues

Addressing the Bandra ground row, Shelar stressed that development and sale were two different issues, asserting that the BJP’s stand had always been to protect and develop open spaces, not sell them or turn them into clubhouses.

The Shiv Sena (UBT), meanwhile, has opposed any move that could alter the character or use of Neville D’Souza ground, while the BJP maintains that the plot is not being sold.

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