Shiv Sena Chief demands umbrella over Shivaji Statue

Shiv Sena president, Uddhav Thackeray, has demanded that the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj outside the Mumbai international airport must get a ceremonial umbrella.

While speaking at a Shiv Jayanti programme on Sunday, Thackeray said, "We have told those concerned many times, be it the Airport Authority or GVK, that you have made our Maharaj (Shivaji) stand here exposed to the elements. We will not tolerate this. If you cannot do it... the Shiv Sena and Shiva premis will erect a ceremonial umbrella here."

"Shiv Jayanti is not just another day. It is a festival for Maharashtrians and Hindus like Diwali, Dusshera, Ganesh Utsav, Navratri and Gudi Padwa," he added.

The Shiv Sena and Hindutva groups celebrate Shiv Jayanti according to the Hindu calendar.