This story is from November 19, 2014

Two years on, Thackeray memorial in a limbo

Former Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, whose second death anniversary was observed on November 17, was to be honoured with a memorial.
Two years on, Thackeray memorial in a limbo
NASHIK: Former Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, whose second death anniversary was observed on November 17, was to be honoured with a memorial. But even as two years have passed since the Sena strongman's death, the ruling MNS in the civic body is yet to take a decision on a proper location for the memorial.
Towards the end of November 2012, the Shiv Sainiks proposed the general body of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) that a memorial be erected for Thackeray.
The proposal was supported by all the parties and a provision of Rs 3 crore budget was made in the budget for the memorial.
The Shiv Sena wanted the memorial to be set up at Itihaas Sangrahalay (history museum) on Gangapur Road. On April 1, 2013, the then mayor had called a meeting of the group leaders of all the parties. It was decided that they would visit the Sangrahalay and take a call on constructing the memorial. It was also decided that the lands belonging to the NMC would be considered for the memorial.
The estate department of the NMC was instructed to suggest properties owned by it. In August 2013, the NMC submitted a list of 11 places in the city to the mayor and the municipal secretary. The locations included two on Nashik Road, two in Indira Nagar, two on Gangapur Road and two in Panchavati. But no concrete decision was taken after that.
However, the Shiv Sena has now decided to adopt a wait-and-watch policy.
"Balasaheb Thackeray was not only the leader of Shiv Sena, he was the leader of all the Hindus. Hence, we will not be agitate. It depends on the will of the MNS. They should take the opportunity to do it. The previous mayor had taken an all-party meeting. However, there has not been proper leadership on the issue," said Ajay Boraste, city unit chief of Shiv Sena.

"Balasaheb was not just a political leader, but he was also a good artist and an excellent orator. Hence, a good art gallery, library and an auditorium should be constructed. The memorial should showcase different qualities of Balasaheb. We don't want only a statue. If the MNS cannot even do this, we have nothing to say. We leave it up to them," he added.
Mayor Ashok Murtadak said, "Former Shiv Sena chief's memorial will be constructed. We had thought of some places. But I will have to take an update now."
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