Following the footsteps of estranged cousin MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena executive chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday met CM Prithviraj Chavan to oppose the inclusion of Shivaji Park in the heritage structures list and the participation of Pakistani performers in TV shows in India.
Incidentally, the MNS had taken objection to both the issues on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Sena delegation led by Mr Thackeray objected to the inclusion of residential buildings at Shivaji Park in the heritage structures list. The Sena leader said that there was no logic in declaring the entire area as a heritage zone. Thousands of people living in dilapidated structures in the Shivaji Park area are awaiting re-development, but with the area being declared a heritage site, their dreams will come to a halt, Mr Thackeray said. “Why is the Heritage Committee scaring Marathi residents in Dadar area by declaring Shivaji Park a heritage site, when no such rule is being applied to Bhendi Bazaar?” Mr Thackeray asked. The Sena leader further said that if anyone opposed the progress of the Marathi manoos under the guise of heritage, the Sena would not remain a mute spectator and deal with them seriously.
Mr Chavan has assured to look into the issue and said that a decision would be taken after consulting the Heritage Committee.
Mr Thackeray also raised the issue of Pakistani singers and other artistes participating in a programme for some TV channel in India. He said that the Sena would not allow any Pakistani cricketer, sportspersons or artiste to perform in India, till the bilateral relations between the two nations were reconciled.
He said that the Sena’s harsh stand was mainly because of the two-facedness of Pakistan, which under the guise of improving cultural bonds was resorting to terrorism.