On Saturday, January 23, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray unveiled the statue of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray on his 95th birth anniversary, with the opening line of his speeches, Jamlelya majhya tamam Hindu bandhavano, bhaginino ani matano (All my Hindu brothers, sisters and mothers gathered here) inscribed on its base.
According to reports, the statue, measuring nine feet, was unveiled at the busy roundabout between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and National Gallery of Modern Art on MG Road. It is the first statue of the Sena founder in the city.
In view of the occasion, all the members of the Thackeray family and senior leaders from all the party were present. NCP President Sharad Pawar, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis, MNS President Raj Thackeray and Congress State President Balasaheb Thorat were present. Also present at the event were Aditya Thackeray, Jayant Patil, Eknath Shinde, Chhang Bhujbal, Shiv Sena leader MP Sanjay Raut, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and ministers from the Mahavikas Aghadi Government.
However, the statue was installed despite reported opposition by the Colaba residents of Mumbai with regards to a 2013 order of the Supreme Court under which the state government should not allow any statue on public roads and pavements.
Balasaheb Thackeray had died on November 17, 2012. Earlier in the day, Sena activists paid their respects to the party founder at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Dadar. Moreover, they organised events such as blood donation camps at various places across the city.
Share
Tweet
