Bust of Meenatai Thackeray defaced with red colour at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park

MLA Mahesh Sawant said the act appeared to be aimed at disturbing peace, while Desai termed it a “failure of the government.” Pednekar suggested the incident could be the work of someone who was “mentally deranged.”

Mumbai: In a shocking incident on Wednesday, September 17, unidentified miscreants defaced the bust of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, by throwing red colour on it at Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar.

The incident is suspected to have taken place between 6 am and 7 am. The bust of Meenatai, revered as Masaheb for her role in shaping the growth of Shiv Sena, is located on the eastern side of Shivaji Park. Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial stands on the western side. Masaheb passed away on October 19, 1996, at Karjat in Raigad district.

Soon after the incident, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Mumbai South Central MP Anil Desai, former minister Diwakar Raote, MLA Mahesh Sawant, and Thackeray’s aide and MLC Milind Narvekar, reached the site. Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar also visited the park. Sawant said the act appeared to be aimed at disturbing peace, while Desai termed it a “failure of the government.” Pednekar suggested the incident could be the work of someone who was “mentally deranged.”

The Dadar police are examining CCTV footage from the area. Meanwhile, workers began removing the colour using turpentine oil.

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, is expected to visit Shivaji Park to take stock of the situation.

Several political leaders across parties condemned the act, including BJP leader Pravin Darekar, Shiv Sena leader and Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, and Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar.