As civic polls inch closer, the BJP is shifting focus to issues that affect everyday life in Mumbai. After taking up issues of buildings without an Occupation Certificate (OC), the spotlight is on open spaces.

BJP Mumbai president and MLA from the Andheri West Assembly constituency, Ameet Satam, has objected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) policy of handing over open spaces to private trusts and institutions. The city is said to have over 1100 recreation grounds and playgrounds spread across nearly 562 hectares, all under the BMC’s jurisdiction.