The body of 86-year-old Sena leader, who breathed his last yesterday, was taken out of his residence 'Matoshree' in subruban Bandra this morning in a hearse adorned with flowers. The last rites will be performed at Shivaji Park where the Sena supremo addressed his party workers for over four decades since 1966.
Lakhs of people including Shiv Sainiks, who have come from across Maharashtra, joined the funeral procession, shouting slogans in memory of the Shiv Sena supremo. The procession will stop at Sena Bhavan, the party headquarters before moving toward Shivaji Park.
People in huge numbers thronged roadsides, flyovers and balconies of their buildings to catch a glimpse of the Sena leader who roused emotions on Marathi pride and catapulted the party to power in Maharashtra in the 1990s.
A bandh-like situation prevailed in many parts of the city, Navi Mumbai and Thane in the wake of Balasaheb's death. Markets were shut and taxis and autos off the streets. The authorities have advised Mumbaikars to take to the roads only in the case of an emergency.
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place in the state, particularly in Mumbai, with over 20,000 police personnel deployed in the metropolis to keep a tight vigil.
Security has been beefed up at 'Matoshree' and Shivaji Park with vehicular traffic prohibited in and around the area. Shiv Sainiks have also formed a human chain to enable the procession to pass smoothly. (More)