Former Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar on Monday met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray during the reopening of the Shivaji Park Gymkhana following its recent makeover, news agency PTI reported.
Sarvankar and Thackeray’s son, Amit, had both contested from the Mahim Assembly seat in the 2024 elections. However, they were defeated by Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Mahesh Sawant. Since the election, the relationship between Sarvankar and the Thackerays has reportedly remained strained.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Sarvankar said, “I took the blessings of Raj Thackeray. He even patted me on the back. Our relationship with Raj saheb goes way back. We share a deep bond, and we can’t forget those ties. Today, I’m even his neighbour.”
While referring to the election loss, he added, “Elections are a different matter. We had different responsibilities at the time.”
Shivaji Park, where the gymkhana is located, falls under the Mahim Assembly constituency.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and local MP Anil Desai, along with MLA Mahesh Sawant, were also present at the event.
Mumbai`s Shivaji Park Gymkhana reopens with a fresh new look
Turning the adage Monday Morning Blues into Monday Morning Cool News, after nearly one-and-a-half years of a revamp, the Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) reopened on Monday. For the management who are the custodians of this space in the iconic Shivaji Park maidan, the feeling is as satisfying as a batsman seeing his straight drive roll triumphantly past the bowler and into the boundary.
“It is mission accomplished, but even with this opening, a new chapter begins for our historic club, one that prioritises gender opportunities, better facilities for members and expanding our member base,” explained the management. Sunil Ramchandran, assistant secretary, said, “The new look SPG is painted Wimbledon green and beige. We are also planning to start our own ladies’ cricket team.”
Sanjeev Khanolkar, honorary general secretary SPG, and Ramchandran said, “We got our Occupation Certificate (OC) on September 19, and here we are, opening three days later on September 22. We understand that people are excited and eager, especially our approximately 3000 member families.”
The office bearers stated that there was no extra FSI, so they have not increased the plinth. “That was the real challenge,” said SPG President Parveen Amre. “We had to give better facilities within the existing area of the ground, plus the first floor.” There is a refurbished gymnasium, the club has two terraces overlooking Shivaji Park and the tennis courts around also have a facelift.
(With PTI inputs)
