Thane: Maharashtra Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday night announced the construction of a grand memorial, including a king-size statue of his mentor Anand Dighe, in Thane city.
The announcement came nearly three years after Shinde took over the Shiv Sena leadership in 2022. Shinde described the project as a tribute to Dighe, who played a key role in establishing a Shiv Sena stronghold in Thane and surrounding areas.
The Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Tower will be reconstructed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan near Talao Pali, Thane, featuring a 43-metre statue of Dighe, recognizing his significant contributions to the city's development and the Shiv Sena's influence in the region.
The project, which will also include a few revamp works of the ground and costing Rs 15 crore, is expected to be completed by April, civic officials said. Eknath Shinde launched the beautification of the west side area outside Thane railway station to improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow.
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The Rs 4 crore project involves renovating rickshaw and taxi stands, upgrading footpaths, installing information boards, and adding zebra crossings and lane markings, with completion slated for December.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the installation of a 42-metre-tall statue of his mentor Anand Dighe in Thane during the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for the clock tower renovation at Shivaji Maidan. Dighe, a notable Shiv Sena figure, passed away in 2001. A budget of Rs 11 crore has been approved for the statue and surrounding amenities. Shinde emphasised that there would be no shortage of funds for Dighe's tribute.
Additionally, Shinde encouraged citizens to embrace cluster redevelopment over isolated projects for enhanced urban renewal, improved infrastructure, and better civic amenities. Speaking after inaugurating various projects in Thane, he noted that while Mumbai and surrounding areas are well-resourced, attention should also focus on less economically strong regions. He advocated for collective planning in redevelopment, highlighting that individual projects miss out on broader benefits. Ongoing cluster development in Thane exemplifies this integrated approach to urban growth.
