Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis condemns defacing of Meenatai Thackeray bust at Shivaji Park, police launch probe

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned the alleged incident of red paint being thrown at the bust of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, at Shivaji Park in Dadar.

On Wednesday morning, red paint was found smeared on the bust, sparking outrage among party workers and citizens. Speaking to reporters in Pune, CM Fadnavis assured that the culprits will be tracked down swiftly.

"Such an incident is completely condemned. Whoever has done this, the police will track them down and take action. I do not find it appropriate to drag too much politics into this matter," CM Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey, however, held the state government accountable, calling the act a “major failure.” He questioned how such an incident could occur despite surveillance and police presence.

"If someone dared to throw paint on her statue and then flee, it shows a major failure of the current Maharashtra government. Today is the era of CCTV cameras everywhere, with police patrolling the streets," Dubey told ANI.

He further demanded urgent intervention from CM Fadnavis, warning that Shiv Sainiks’ patience should not be tested. "So, how are statues of our great people getting defaced? Was this done intentionally?... We demand that Devendra Fadnavis take immediate action. We're all staying quiet at the behest of Uddhav Thackeray. Otherwise, if all Shiv Sainiks take to the streets, it won't be good for anyone," he said.

An official said an onlooker first noticed the defacement at around 6:30 am, after which local Shiv Sena (UBT) workers reached the site and began cleaning the statue. A police probe has since been launched.

Who was Meenatai Thackeray?

Meenatai Thackeray, revered as the wife of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, was widely respected for her humility, resilience, and strong role in supporting the Shiv Sena supremo during the party’s formative years. She is remembered as the matriarch of the Thackeray family and continues to hold a place of deep emotional reverence among Shiv Sainiks.

*With Agency Inputs