Mumbai: Pointing to Shivaji Park’s ‘silence zone’ status, BJP MLA Raj Purohit has sought that the Republic Day parade be shifted from the park’s cricket ground to Marine Drive. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr. Purohit said the annual celebration on January 26 leaves behind a pothole-ridden cricket ground.
He said, “I have requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the change in venue, as the parade could be held on a grander scale on Marine Drive to match the parade in New Delhi. He assured me that the proposal will be considered positively. I also met Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, who sought more details. Cultural Minister Vinod Tawde has asked me to chalk out programme plans, while promising to use his good offices with Mr. Fadnavis.”
In the past, the city police has rejected Marine Drive as the venue for the Republic Day parade. Mr. Purohit said, “The police department always seeks to dampen the spirits of people by declining permission, even for routine political programmes such as peace marches, rallies and other public meetings.”
