Angry residents of Shivaji Park have alleged that the Shiv Sena is forcing its plan for a mural of Shivaji, down their throats. The mural is part of the party’s Shivaji Park beautification plan.
Locals have rubbished Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray’s statement at a press conference on Saturday, where he announced that those opposing the mural were against Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Ironically, the Sena has let a magnificent Shivaji statue at the park go to seed. The statue, erected in 1960, at the west end, is lying in a decrepit state, say residents. A heritage plaque inaugurated in 1927 is also in shabby condition. “If they really loved Shivaji, they would protect the existing statue and make the BMC spend on its upkeep. Instead, the Sena just wants to construct another Shivaji mural to show their fake love for Maharashtra and its people. Let them learn to take care of existing statues first. MNS had organised a meet not to oppose this plan, but to let us know of what the BMC intended to do, as it has kept us in the dark. In a democracy, we have the right to know why so much taxpayers’ money is being spent on an unwanted mural,” said Vinay P, a resident.
Another resident said, “The Government of India had amended the Constitution in 1994 stating that any local development should take place after consulting local residents. How can politicians decide what’s best for the public?” Despite several attempts, Sena’s executive president, Uddhav Thackeray could not be contacted.
(With inputs from Surendra Gangan)
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