Shiv Sena spokesperson, Krishna Hegde, said the Chief Minister has made it a tradition to pay tribute a day before Bal Thackeray`s death anniversary to avoid conflicts.

He, after having paid his respects, posted on social media and wrote, "On the eve of the memorial day of Venerable Balasaheb Thackeray, I visited his memorial in Dadar and paid my respects to him."

He was accompanied by MP Rahul Shewale, MP Prataprao Jadhav, MLA Sada Saravankar, MLA Prof. Manisha Kayande, Shiv Sena Spokesperson Kiran Pavaskar and all office bearers and activists of Shiv Sena. 

However, after his visit, a scuffle broke out between the Sena faction led by him and Uddhav Thackeray.

Expressing concern for public order, Shinde opted to pay respects a day earlier to preempt any potential disruptions, condemning attempts to disrupt peace.

Shinde voiced that Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, Anil Desai and Anil Parab, along with their supporters, following his departure from the memorial, insitgated the crowd.

He then noted the synchronous timing between Bal Thackeray`s birth anniversary on January 23 and the idol consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

Shinde affirmed his government`s commitment to fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the late Shiv Sena founder, Bal Thackeray.

The Shiv Sena, divided since June last year due to a rebellion led by Shinde, continues the struggle for claiming Bal Thackeray`s legacy, revered as `Hinduhriday Samrat` by supporters.