Mumbai’s Shivaji Park in Dadar witnessed heightened tension on Wednesday morning after Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and party workers gathered in protest against the alleged defacement of the bust of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
On Wednesday morning, local party workers observed that somebody had deliberately tried to spray some colour on the bust of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of the late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray.
Amid the chaotic situation, former mayor and UBT camp leader Kishori Pednekar mentioned that it looked like someone had tried to throw kunku (Sindoor) on the Meenatai bust.
“Is someone trying to deliberately create anger among Shiv Sainiks so that someone could politically benefit from it, is what we fear,” Kishori Pednekar added.
As soon as the information about the issue went viral, the authorities immediately started the process of cleaning the bust, according to senior party leaders. They also called senior police officials to brief them about the development.
In response, Mumbai Police deployed additional personnel around Shivaji Park to prevent any law-and-order situation. Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, assured that a detailed investigation has been ordered and stern action will be taken against the culprits.
In view of the issue, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded the arrest of those involved in the defacement of the late Meenatai’s bust at Dadar.
This is not the first time the bust has been desecrated. Earlier in 2006, a similar incident was reported and had even sparked violent protests in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the deputy chairman of the state legislative council, Neelam Gorhe, also condemned the incident. She urged Shiv Sainiks to stay calm and not take the law-and-order situation into their own hands.
Several leaders, including Shiv Sena UBT MLC Milind Narvekar, senior party leader Diwakar Raote, and local MLA (Mahim constituency) Mahesh Sawant, visited the spot as soon as they received information about the defacement of the Meenatai bust.
MLA Mahesh Sawant, while speaking on the situation, said, “Police are scanning the CCTV footage. In some time, we will come to know what exactly has happened and who all are involved in this cowardly act.”
There are also reports that Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray will be visiting the spot by afternoon.
BJP leader Gopichand Padalkar condemned the incident and said, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will ensure quick action against the culprits.” Reports also indicated that Shiv Sainiks in Buldhana (Vidarbha region) escalated their protest over the Mumbai incident.
