Preparations for Bal Thackeray's funeral processions at Shivaji Park on Sunday began on Saturday evening, with the late leader's followers beginning to occupy the ground in order to be able to catch a glimpse of him.

A stage is being constructed at Shivaji Park for the public who are expected to come to pay their last respects to late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackarey. Pic/Satyahit Desai

Sanjay Raut, spokesperson of the Sena, said, "Balasaheb's last rites will be performed at Shivaji Park between 5 and 7 pm." Sada Sarvankar, the Shiv Sena Vibhag Pramukh of Dadar, said, "We are expecting over 20 lakh people at Shivaji Park."

Shridhar Jadhav of Manohar decorators, the decorator of the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal, has constructed the six foot-high stage, which will be covered with a white cloth, and decorated with marigold flowers. Six ambulances will be stationed outside Shivaji Park. Ten water tankers with 12 mobile toilets having ten units each have been provided by the BMC.

People will be allowed to take a glimpse of the body from behind barricades that will be placed at a distance of 50 metres from the stage. Only VVIP's will be allowed to come closer for a last glimpse of the late politician.u00a0

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