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On Thackeray’s birth anniversary, warring allies BJP-Sena try to patch-up

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Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) On the eve of the 93rd birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday attempted to mollify its warring ally with a Rs 100-crore gift for the proposed Thackeray memorial.

The Maharashtra cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took the decision today to sanction the amount for the memorial coming up at the erstwhile Mayor’s Bungalow at Shivaji Park, through the ‘Balasaheb Thackeray Memorial Public Trust’.

On Wednesday, the documents pertaining to the premises owned by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will also be handed over to the BTMPT, paving the way for a ‘Ganesh puja’ at the site.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, his family members and other party officials will perform the ‘puja’ while a bigger formal ‘bhoomi puja’ will be held later which Prime Minister Narendra Modi may attend.

The Rs 100-crore fund for the memorial will come through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is under the jurisdiction of Fadnavis.

“Relations between the BJP-Sena will always remain sweet,” said Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar after the cabinet meeting.

He said the BJP has always favoured an alliance with its oldest ally, the Sena and felt there are chances for an alliance before the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Mungantiwar’s statements and the latest developments assumed signifance amid reports that a special screening of the biopic, ‘Thackeray releasing this week (January 25), may be held for Modi in New Delhi.

Though allies for nearly 30 years, the relations have soured between the two parties with the Sena regularly targeting the BJP, its president Amit Shah, and Modi.

Last year, the Sena unilaterally announced that it would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections solo, but the BJP remains optimistic of the crucial alliance.

Today’s developments followed the exit of Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar from the Shivaj Park bungalow yesterday to the new premises inside the Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Udyan & Zoo, Byculla.

The late Thackeray, a firebrand orator, cartoonist and politician was revered as ‘Hindu Hridaysamrat’ till his demise on November 17, 2012 in Mumbai. Since then, there has been a huge clamour for a suitable grand memorial in his honour.

The 28-acre Shivaji Park is located opposite the former mayoral residence and close to the Veer Savarkar Memorial and the B.R. Ambedkar Memorial here.

The cradle of Indian cricket, Shivaji Park is also famed for other events, such as the Shiv Sena’s annual Dassehra rally started by the late Thackeray, parades and exhibitions and political rallies.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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