Calls for conversion of Mahalaxmi Racecourse

 
Two leading opposition parties urged the government to turn Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse, one of the oldest in India, into a public park. "Horse racing is a hobby of the elite and for such activity precious and scarce land in Mumbai cannot be wasted,” said Vinod Tawde, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which backed Shiv Sena's park plan. The Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd.'s 99-year lease with the government for the 225-acre site is to expire May 31. The club has asked for a 30-year extension, but the opposition politicians are believed to be seeking to have a park that would be named as a memorial for late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray.