Mumbai, Dec 22 (Mid-Day): If the Maharashtra Legislative Council approves, political parties could soon hold rallies at Dadar’s Shivaji Park for 15 days in a year.

On Friday, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion to increase the number of days (from the current 30 to 45 days) for which the grounds could be used for political and cultural rallies. Till now, Shivaji Park could host religious functions for 30 days, and now the additional 15 days could accommodate political rallies.

Loudspeakers in silent zone?

Over the years, Shivaji Park has witnessed fiery speeches by politicians such as Bal Thackeray, Narendra Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and others, but was out of bounds for political rallies since the grounds fell under the silent zone and the use of loudspeakers was banned. Restrictions on its use limited it to being used as a playground, to host sports events and the 30 day-limit opened it up for religious events. However, in the past, the Shiv Sena had got several permissions to hold Dussehra rallies.

'Unaware of notification'

Sharad Ugade, assistant municipal commissioner of G-North ward, under whose jurisdiction Shivaji Park falls, said, “I am yet to read the notification. From what I hear, the number of days Shivaji Park can be used for programmes will increase. However, I am not sure whether political rallies could be held because this place still falls under the silent zone. As for the Dussehra rallies by Shiv Sena, the permissions mostly came from the courts.”