Maharashtra govt asks Mumbai Hockey Association to vacate premises

The Maharashtra government has cancelled the 15-year lease of the state association and asked them to vacate the premises currently occupied by them. “We received an order signed by Maharashtra government’s Deputy Secretary (Sports), Satish Jondhale, dated 17th October saying that the 15-year lease granted to us in 2008 has been cancelled,” MHA secretary Ram Singh Rathor told Outlook, adding that they got the order in hand only by October 19. [caption id=“attachment_501083” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  MHA is in trouble again. Reuters[/caption] “The reason cited was that three months ago some former players had met (then) Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and complained that we are not promoting hockey, but are letting out our premises for weddings, receptions etc… It’s a total misrepresentation of facts by these players,” Rathor added. “We have not been given a chance to explain our point of view as per the principles of natural justice and the lease has been cancelled without hearing us.” MHA officials are now trying to meet Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to rescind the order. The ground is let out weddings and functions but MHA officials said that the activities help the organisation raise vital funds. MHA President MS Bakshi told Mid-Day, “Marriages are our only source of revenue. We have successfully raised Rs 12 lakh for the Mumbai hockey league. The govt must take note of our effort and ensure the game does not suffer in the city.” Confirming the government’s decision, deputy sports director N B Mote told the Times of India that he had written to the city collector to take immediate physical possession of the land. The MHA has also said it would move court soon to obtain a stay on the government’s decision.