Plot opposite 'Matoshree' ideal for Thackeray memorial: Nitesh Rane

MUMBAI: Amid controversy over the Mayor's Bungalow being converted into late Bal Thackeray's memorial, Congress MLA Nitesh Rane today said the private plot purchased by the Thackeray family opposite their residence 'Matoshree' was an ideal place for the commemorative structure.

"Uddhav Thackeray and family should built Balasaheb's Smarak on the private plot bought by them last year opposite Matoshree in suburban Bandra. Its an ideal place with no hurdles," Nitesh said.

According to him, it was a old bungalow which has now been broken down and construction is going on. "Best for the Sainiks and right place for the memorial," he said.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Nitesh's father former CM Narayan Rane too have criticised the government's move to hand over the Mayor's bungalow for the memorial.

Supreme Court had banned converting government bungalows into memorials.

Rane had said that Uddhav was eyeing the Mayor's bungalow since it was a prime property. "The bungalow is a heritage property and can't be demolished for a memorial," he had said yesterday.