Poonawala says land leased out by state government

Pune July 19 (UNI) Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) Chairman Dr Cyrus Poonawalla today emphatically said the Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation (BMC) had no jurisdiction over the land leased out to the club as it belonged to the Maharashtra government.

''I do not want to give political colour to the whole debate, initiated by Mumbai Mayor Shobha Raul, without ascertaining all facts'', he told reporters here.

It may be recalled that the Sena Mayor had said BMC would not like to extend the lease, which expires in 2013.

''The Mayor has been guided wrongly and she has not applied her mind in this respect'', Dr Poonawalla added ''The land does not belong to the BMC and it is the state Government that had leased out the place'', he said.

The RWITC has been functioning and carrying out its activities in the country by not only paying taxes due to the state government but in addition helping Maharashtra, the finanacial capital of the country to have its own identity in the annals of horse racing, he said.

''It is indeed a political move, instigated by some biased politicians'', Poonawalla said and expressed optimism that that the RWITC will resolve the question of lease amicably in accordance with government guidlines.

Briefing mediapersons from both Pune and Mumbai, RWITC Marketing and Media working group chairman Vivek Jain highlighted that there is cent per cent growth in value in two years.

The club has achieved an all time high sponsorship, which at Rs 65 lakhs is highest, compared to 42.7 lakhs in the year 2006 and 29.25 lakhs in 2005.

The Pune racing season gets underway from July 26 and a number of sponsors have been roped in to boost the season, he said.

The RWITC has decided to institute a trophy in the name of late commentator S M Harish, who passed away recently.

The Pune season will have a total of 29 meetings instead of 26 last year. The Pune course has been in good shape despite the the monsson rains, Mr Jain added.

UNI