Uddhav Thackeray Visits Memorial Site, Confirms Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial to Be Completed by January 2027

Amid the rising political heat ahead of Maharashtra’s local body elections, the state government surprised many by reappointing Uddhav Thackeray as the Chairman of the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial Public Trust. After taking charge, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief has become active and personally reviewed the progress of the memorial at Shivaji Park.

Memorial to Be Ready for Public in 2027

Speaking after the site visit, Uddhav Thackeray announced that the Balasaheb Thackeray Memorial is expected to be completed by January 2027, coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary of the late Shiv Sena founder.

Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government reconstituted the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial Public Trust and reinstated Uddhav as its Chairman. The move drew significant political attention, especially with civic polls approaching. Thackeray had previously served as chairperson but stepped down after completing his tenure, after which his son Aaditya Thackeray had taken over.

Despite the political split within Shiv Sena, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis maintained continuity by appointing Uddhav Thackeray again—a decision widely seen as a gesture of goodwill.

Shivaji Park Memorial Back in Focus

The memorial is under construction at Mumbai’s Dadar Shivaji Park, the iconic ground closely associated with the Shiv Sena’s history. The state government has appointed Uddhav’s close aide and former minister Subhash Desai as the Secretary of the Trust, with Aaditya Thackeray as a member.

Uddhav Thackeray stated after inspecting the site,

“I came to review the work. A meeting of the Trust will be held soon, and the construction will pick up pace. It is impossible to complete the memorial by 23 January 2026, but I am confident that by January 2027, when Balasaheb completes 100 years, the memorial will be ready and open to the public.”

Balasaheb Thackeray, revered as the “Hindu Hriday Samrat,” was born on 23 January 1926 in Pune and passed away on 17 November 2012, at the age of 86.