Is there a conspiracy to spoil Mumbai’s atmosphere ahead of the BMC elections? This question is being raised in Mumbai because some unruly elements attempted vandalism at the Meenatai Balasaheb Thackeray memorial in Dadar’s Shivaji Park, throwing red paint on the statue of Matoshree. As soon as Shiv Sainiks learned of the incident, agitated people began gathering. Subsequently, a large police force was deployed.
The statue was hastily cleaned. After this, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai and several leaders, including MNS chief Raj Thackeray, arrived at the scene. Uddhav Thackeray expressed anger, stating, “Merely condemning won’t suffice. Just like attempts were made to disrupt law and order in Bihar and insult Prime Minister Modi’s mother, similarly, by disrespecting Matoshree’s statue, there is a conspiracy to incite riots.”
Raj Thackeray also demanded strict action against the culprits. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde described the incident as unfortunate and said that the issue should not be politicized.
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that such incidents are completely unacceptable. Whoever is responsible for this act in society, the police are searching for them and will take strict action.
Following this incident, former Mumbai Mayor Kishoritai Pednekar also visited Shivaji Park. She inspected how the incident was carried out and the progress of the police investigation. Earlier, local MP Anil Desai and MLA Mahesh Sawant had also arrived at the park.
MLA Mahesh Sawant said that if the police do not investigate this matter quickly, angry Shiv Sainiks may react to it.
The official announcement for the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) elections 2025 has not been made yet. However, it is expected that elections may be held in December.
Meena Thackeray’s statue
Meena Thackeray’s statue is a memorial dedicated to Meena Tai Thackeray, the first wife of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. It was erected in Mumbai, India, by the political party to honor her memory and her role in the early years of the Shiv Sena’s formation. The statue serves as a site of respect and remembrance for party members and supporters.
Shivaji Park
Shivaji Park is a large public ground in Mumbai, India, named after the 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Historically, it has been a major venue for political rallies and social gatherings, and it is also renowned as a nursery for Indian cricket, having produced many legendary players.
Meenatai Balasaheb Thackeray memorial
The Meenatai Balasaheb Thackeray memorial, also known as ‘Shiv Tirth,’ is a memorial complex in Mumbai dedicated to the founder of the Shiv Sena political party, Bal Thackeray, and his wife, Meenatai. It was inaugurated in 2023 and is built on the site of the Thackeray family’s former residence, ‘Matoshree,’ serving as a place of pilgrimage for the party’s followers. The memorial features a large statue of Bal Thackeray and a museum showcasing his personal belongings and the history of the Shiv Sena.
Matoshree
Matoshree is the private residence of the Thackeray family, a prominent political dynasty in Mumbai, India. It is historically significant as the home of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena political party. The name “Matoshree” (meaning ‘respected mother’) and the building itself have become a powerful symbol and pilgrimage site for the party’s supporters.
BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, India. Established in 1888, it is one of the world’s largest municipal organizations and is responsible for the city’s public infrastructure and civic amenities. Its iconic headquarters, the MCGM Building, is a historic Grade II-A heritage structure completed in 1893.
Bihar
Bihar is an ancient Indian state with a rich historical legacy, as it was the center of powerful empires like the Magadha and the setting for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. It is home to significant archaeological and pilgrimage sites, including the ancient university of Nalanda and the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Today, it remains an important cultural and historical region in eastern India.
Prime Minister Modi’s mother
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, Heeraben Modi, is a respected figure in Indian society known for her humility and simple lifestyle. She has lived a largely private life in Gujarat, embodying traditional Indian family values. Her upbringing of the future Prime Minister in modest circumstances is often cited as an inspiration in his public addresses.
Mumbai
Mumbai is a major port city on India’s west coast and the financial capital of the country. Historically, it was a group of seven islands that were developed into a single landmass and came under British control in the 17th century, growing into a global trade center. Today, it is a vibrant metropolis known for its Bollywood film industry and a blend of historic colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
