Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, on Saturday, unveiled a statue of Shiv Sena founder, late Bal Thackeray in Colaba on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary in the presence of leaders of various parties.
All photos: Bipin Kokate
The unveiling of the statue was graced by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former CM Devendra Fadnavis, and senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat. Maharashtra Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray, Raj Thackeray's son Amit and Uddhav Thackeray's wife Rashmi Thackeray were also present.
The statue, which is located at the busy roundabout between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the National Gallery of Modern Art in south Mumbai was made by a sculptor Shashikant Wadke, who was later facilitated by CM Uddhav Thackeray himself.
Speaking at the event Uddhav Thackeray said, "It is an unforgettable moment in my life, like it is for every Shiv Sainik. There are some moments where you fall short of words to express your gratitude, and I think today is that day." He added, "Balasaheb remained cordial with all political parties at personal level."
Earlier, the state government had earlier named the upcoming Nagpur-Mumbai super communication highway after the Sena supremo, late Bal Thackeray. One of the hospitals run by the Mumbai civic body was also named after him.
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