Mumbai’s political landscape saw an intriguing development as MNS president Raj Thackeray visited Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Nandnvan home on February 18. Far from election rhetoric, the leaders bonded over the urgent need to conserve the city’s fading heritage structures and architectural marvels.
The session featured lively exchanges with Shinde and son Dr. Shrikant. Thackeray was captivated by old photographs capturing Mumbai’s bygone eras, sharing personal stories tied to those sites and applauding preservation drives.
An official release detailed talks on heritage documentation through photography and robust conservation policies. Shinde elaborated on frameworks encouraging heritage-compliant developments, vital for Mumbai’s character.
Nandnvan, with its storied past, provided the perfect backdrop. Thackeray toured the grounds, noting how expansions respected original designs to uphold legacy status.
Reflecting on his CM days, Shinde recounted policy pushes for heritage revival amid urban growth pressures. This outreach is noteworthy after BMC polls split the camps: Shinde’s group with BJP grabbed 29 wards, MNS with UB T managed six.
As Mumbai grapples with modernization threats to its Victorian and Art Deco treasures, this meeting underscores bipartisan commitment. It could pave the way for joint advocacy, ensuring the Maximum City’s history endures for generations.