``I spoke to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today and he has assured me that he will urge BMC to stop demolishing activity at the venue,'' Dr Mandke, a heart surgeon, told The Indian Express.

All the same, BMC's South Nigaum Ward workers began demolishing stands at the venue this morning, removing planks from the topmost row besides railings and supports.

BMC demolition squads have allegedly regularly threatened to raze the Gaikwad dwelling, emphasising their intentions during Wednesday's swoop on the ground.

While Dr Mandke supported the setting up of new stands to enhance the venue as a healthy facility for sports and recreation, he decried any attempt to vacate Gaikwad from his family home since1936. ``We should reward someone who has cared for the ground rather than make him suffer,'' said Dr Mandke.``Mumbai needs more playgrounds and sports venues than buildings and if vested interests are at play to exploit Gaikwad for builders' gains, it is yet another reflection on the city's misplaced priorities,'' Dr Mandke said.

Today's BMC action follows Wednesday's razing of make-shift structures at the Ground, one of Mumbai sports oldest venues. The demolishing was ordered by Digambar Karandkar, Improvement Committee in-charge of the BMC and ironically, a vice-president of the MDFA. Karandkar said his actions are in line with sports' best interests.

Karandkar alleges that Gaikwad has encroached on more land than he is due while acknowledging that he is entitled to occupy an area of 225 square feet. Karandkar plans to vacate Gaikwad to alternate accommodation in the neighbourhood, something that the ground caretaker is averse to.

Karandkar, a former player at the venue for 12 years for First Divisionside St Paul's, informed that ICICI are likely to sponsor new stands at the venue.