It’s senior Sena leaders’ decision, says Prabhu

A day after the civic chief served notices on Mayor Sunil Prabhu and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to remove the make-shift memorial for Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park, the two said the decision would be taken after a meeting of senior party leaders.

"We wanted to maintain the sanctity of the place and the sentiment of followers who visit Balasaheb's memorial. But now that the notice has been served, the decision to remove the memorial will be made by Shiv Sena's senior leaders," Prabhu said. He, however, refused to comment on whether the Sena would remove the structure in the next few days.

Raut said the spot where the last rites were performed was "sacred" to the party. People were still coming in large numbers to pay homage at Shivaji Park. "We will not shift from our stand," he said.

"A decision regarding the structure will be taken in consultation with the CM," said Home Minister R R Patil. Sources said administrative and police plans were in place in case action was to be taken to remove the structure.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has taken cognisance of another complaint regarding the temporary structure. It has written to the municipal commissioner seeking a "comprehensive report at the earliest" on whether the area falls under Coastal Regulation Zone as per the development plan and approved Coastal Zone Management Plan of BMC. The letter also asks the commissioner to "examine whether the activity complained upon is permissible in open spaces as per the norms of DCR (Development Control Rules)".

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