Shiv Sena seeks Bal Thackeray memorial to be near Mayor's bungalow

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena is likely to ask the state government to locate the proposed memorial of its founder, the late Bal Thackeray, near the Mayor's bungalow in Shivaji Park area, which has a historical connection with the party, a source said.

The Sena supremo passed away at a city hospital in November 2012. After BJP-led government came to power, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set up a committee headed by Chief Secretary Swadheen Kshatriya to choose a site for the memorial.

"The committee shortlisted 5-6 sites. But nothing has been finalised yet. The place in Shivaji Park area, where the Mayor's bungalow stands is importance for us," said a senior Shiv Sena leader today on the condition of anonymity.

"Uddhav-ji (Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray) will put forward his views when he meets the chief minister. The meeting will take place very soon. We want the memorial constructed in the area where the Mayor's bungalow stands, because the area is Sena's bastion and has a historical connect with the party," he said.

In the meeting with the chief minister Uddhav would seek the place for the memorial, the leader added.

Sena leader and industry minister Subhash Desai, who was part of the committee, told PTI that Thackeray and Fadnavis will soon meet and finalise the site for memorial.