Digital Desk: Lata Mangeshkar’s brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar cleared out that his family didn’t demand a memorial for the iconic singer in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, which has become controversial due to bitter political back-and-forth.
“Please don’t make the matter of Lata didi’s memorial in Shivaji Park a political issue. Our family has not made a demand for it since we do not want it.” Hridaynath Mangeshkar appeals in Marathi.
The ruling Shiv Sena and the opposition BJP in Maharashtra have been arguing over a proposed memorial for Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6 at 92.
On Sunday, Ram Kadam, a BJP MLA from Maharashtra, wrote to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, requesting a memorial in Shivaji Park, where Lata Mangeshkar was cremated. Notably, the demand was also backed by Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, a Shiv Sena supporter in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
The Shiv Sena was caught off guard by the BJP’s demand as the party has an emotional attachment to the 28-acre public park. Bal Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray’s father and Shiv Sena founder, used to host the party’s annual Dussehra gathering in the park. The tradition has been followed by the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande said petty politics must not be played on this issue.
“The Dadar residents have fought for long to protect the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park from encroachments. I request everyone not to sacrifice Shivaji Park for their petty party politics.” Deshpande said in a tweet.
The chief of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Prakash Ambedkar, dismissing the demand, said that the memorial should be created in accordance with Lata Mangeshkar’s status.
“We have all spent our childhoods at Shivaji Park, and we must protect the ground that has produced famous cricketers.” Ambedkar said.
As a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, the Maharashtra government has decided to build a 2.5-acre international music academy in Kalina, Mumbai. The academy will be built with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,200 crores.
Praising the decision, Hridaynath Mangeshkar said that the music academy is the ultimate tribute to Lata didi.
Also Read: Take a Look! What Lata Mangeshkar left for her Successor
