Remove cremation structure, face consequences: Shiv Sainiks

BMC had issued a notice to Sena Monday warning of action if platform was not brought down immediately

In A show of strength, a group of Shiv Sainiks led by Thane MLAs Eknath Shinde and Pratap Sarnaik gathered at Shivaji Park in Dadar Saturday to oppose dismantling of a platform set up for cremation of party chief Bal Thackeray.

For past several days, Sena members from different parts of the city have been taking turns to guard the platform.

Many banners and hoardings threatening dire consequences if anyone tried to demolish the platform have also been put up in and around Shivaji Park.

BMC had issued a notice to Sena Monday warning of legal action if the structure was not brought down immediately. The civic body said platform stood in violation of the funeral permission.

Sena is yet to reply to the notice. Asked what steps Sainiks would take if BMC tried to raze the platform, a party member from Thane pointed to a large board right in front of the platform.

The board, loosely translated in English, read: 'Beware of coming forward to take action. Anyone who tries to do so will be torn to shreds! For Saheb, we are prepared for anything, anytime and anywhere'. "That sums it up," the party worker said.

Boards at Shivaji Park are competing to openly threaten the authorities against removing the structure.

One, a little away from the platform, appeared to say Shiv Sainiks were Maratha king Shivaji's soldiers.

"Let any number of crows cry themselves hoarse about removing the platform. If you try to move even one brick, Saheb's mavalas will give you a fitting reply," it said.

Another board along a road leading to Shivaji Park had a cartoon depicting Shivaji and Bal Thackeray embracing each other in heaven.

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