Daijiworld Media Network - Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Nov 17: A case has been registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray for unveiling the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Nerul without municipal permission. Along with him, 40 MNS workers are also named in the case.

The statue, installed six months ago at Nerul Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, had not yet been officially unveiled by the municipal authorities. On Sunday afternoon, Amit Thackeray, visiting Navi Mumbai, noticed the statue covered in a dusty cloth. Taking matters into his own hands, he removed the cloth and unveiled the statue.

Police attempted to stop him, but MNS workers went ahead with the ceremony. The municipal corporation clarified that the official unveiling was planned for a later date and emphasized that the act, done without prior permission, was illegal and unauthorized.

Responding to the case, Amit Thackeray said, “The statue had been in this condition for so long. If my first case is being registered for unveiling it for Maharaj, I feel proud.”

Navi Mumbai MNS President Gajanan Kale stated that the MNS had repeatedly requested the municipal corporation since February last year to unveil the Rs 46 lakh statue, but officials reportedly delayed action. The dirty cloth covering the statue was seen as disrespectful to Shivaji Maharaj, prompting Amit Thackeray to personally clean and unveil it.

The municipal corporation further noted that construction around the statue is still in the final stages and that the official unveiling will be conducted once completed.