Sena explores legal options to retain Thackeray memorial spot

Mumbai : After climbing down— in the face of stiff opposition from several quarters — from its belligerant stand on erecting a Bal Thackeray memorial at spot in Shivaji Park where the Sena founder was cremated, the party is now showing signs of resistance to move of the state government to remove the makeshift memorial.

The party claims it is exploring legal options to see how the spot can be retained.

“We are exploring legal possibilities of retaining the cremation spot and have spoken to some legal experts. We will soon meet with the Municipal Commissioner and present two-three proposals on how we can retain the memorial,” BMC Standing Committee Chairman and Sena leader Rahul Shewale said.

The State Government, through the executive wing of the BMC, had been pressing the Sena to remove the structure on its own.

The government is also believed to have unofficially allowed the Sena to retain the spot until Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary, when lakhs of his followers converge on Shivaji Park. There was an understanding that Sena would take down makeshift structure on its own.

The “unofficial” deadline of December 6 over, the Sena seems in no mood to relent.

Shewale claimed that they would present their point of view to BMC Commissioner and also CM Prithviraj Chavan.

The Sena also claimed that the party was not likely to take a decision removing memorial until Uddhav Thackeray returns from his state tour.