Yet another Thackeray memorial eyes controversy

After the memorial at Shivaji Park faced controversy in Mumbai, Shiv Sena, it seems is all set to face another controversy. This time in Pune.

The land proposed for the cartoon gallery in the memory of late Balasaheb Thackeray is in the eye of controversy as Garware Balbhavan director Shobha Bhagwat claims that the land is reserved for children’s use. However, speaking about the issue, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) deputy commissioner RT Shinde said that the gallery will be built in the commercial space available on the land. Bhagwat said that though the contract has ended with the civic body, a proposal for the renewal of the agreement has been sent.

“If the cartoon gallery is built on the playing ground, space for children will be reduced,” said Bhagwat. She added that in the past, the land was also in contention for the rope way to Parvati Hills and Shahu Memorial Hospital, but the civic body maintained it for children’s use. On the other hand, Shiv Sena group leader in PMC Ashok Harnawal said that the proposal for the gallery has been submitted and the money has also been granted for the same.