Sainiks to remove tribute banners

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly asked party cadres to remove the banners which were erected as a mark of respect to Bal Thackeray.

Following Bal Thackeray’s demise on November 17, hundreds of banners cropped up across the city overnight.

However, with the 13-day mourning period coming to an end, Uddhav has reportedly instructed the Sainiks to start removing all banners.

“Considering their emotional attachment to Balasaheb, scores of party activists had put up hoardings. But with the mourning period over, Uddhavsaheb has directed us to bring down the those banners which got damaged or torn. Hoardings in good shape will also be removed soon,” said Vinayak Raut, party secretary.

Another senior Sena leader, requesting anonymity, said Sainiks had started removing banners on their own.

“We are followers of Balasaheb, who insisted on maintaining discipline. Sainiks have already started removing some of the banners,” he added.

Civic activists in the city welcomed the directive.  Aftab Siddique, the chairperson of the 33rd Road Khar ALM-144, recently brought up the issue with the BMC. “Considering Bal Thackeray’s huge contribution to the city’s growth, it was understood that people would erect banners. But after a certain period of time, the banners hould have been removed, which did not happen. Hence, we raised the issue with municipal administration,” he said.