shot-button
Lake Levels Lake Levels
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Trust takes charge of mayors bungalow on Thackerays birth anniversary

Trust takes charge of mayor's bungalow on Thackeray's birth anniversary

Updated on: 24 January,2019 07:30 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Chetna Sadadekar | chetna.sadadekar@mid-day.com

The BMC leased the land on which it stands, to the trust for the Bal Thackeray National Memorial; the CM was present at the handover

Trust takes charge of mayor's bungalow on Thackeray's birth anniversary

Members of the Thackeray family at the mayor's bungalow

The Mayor's bungalow at Shivaji Park was handed over to the Bal Thackeray National Memorial Trust yesterday, on the late Shiv Sena founder's birth anniversary. A Ganesh puja was performed in the bungalow. As if to try and win the Sena over with an eye on the upcoming elections, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present at the bungalow on the occasion.


Leased to trust
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officially leased the land on which the bungalow stands, for 30 years to the trust for a nominal annual rent of R1. The sign outside the bungalow no longer says 'Mayor bungalow,' but 'Bal Thackeray National Memorial'. An image of the memorial was also unveiled on Wednesday.


The sign outside the mayor
The sign outside the mayor's bungalow now says Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial


The heritage grade II-B bungalow at Shivaji Park in Dadar is said to be close to Bal Thackeray's heart and hence was chosen by the trust for the memorial. The official hand over of the property measuring about 11,500 square feet, was done in the presence of several Sena leaders, former mayors, and members of the Thackeray family, by BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta. mid-day had recently reported about Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar shifting to his new official residence at the Byculla zoo.

Bal Thackeray: Rare photos of the

With the Sena reportedly organising a special screening of the movie Thackeray for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the CM clearing the decks to allot a fund of R100 crore for the trust, the Sena and BJP are looking to amend the ties between them before the election, said sources.

(Left to right) BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, President of the Yuva Sena Aaditya Thackeray, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray on the occasion. Pics/Bipin Kokate
(Left to right) BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, President of the Yuva Sena Aaditya Thackeray, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray on the occasion. Pics/Bipin Kokate

Plot in CRZ
The plot for the memorial, however, falls in the Coastal Regulation Zone and hence needs special attention from the environment department. This is why it has also been criticised. The trust is awaiting permissions from the environment ministry as the design for the memorial has been finalised.

According to the reports the existing mayor's bungalow will not be demolished and the memorial is likely to be underground. Sena sources had revealed that there would be a permanent exhibition in the form of an art gallery within the bungalow where Thackeray's cartoons, glimpses of his political career as well as his ideology, will be put on display. There will also be a seminar hall, library and utilities such as a cafeteria. The memorial may not have a statue of Thackeray, as Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was not keen having it there," revealed Sena sources.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK