Thackeray renounces silver throne after criticism

Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray today renounced his silver-plated ''throne'' and sent it to a newspaper's office here which had carried a report that was critical of his opposition to a golden throne for Sai Baba.

The newspaper, however, wants to send the throne back to Mr Thackeray.

The matter pertains to Mr Thackeray's opposition to the installation of a golden throne, at a cost of Rs 22 crore, for Sai Baba at the pilgrimage centre of Shirdi.

Mr Thackeray had vehemently opposed the installation of such a throne saying that the money, so expended, could be better utilised.

The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple trust, incidentally, has abandoned the idea of installing the throne following the hue and cry.

However, a leading language newspaper the 'Lokmat' today carried a report challenging Mr Thackeray's opposition when he chose to use a silver throne for himself.

Reacting to the report, Mr Thackeray deputed Bharatiya Kamgar Sena chief Suryakant Mahadik to deliver his ''throne'' to the newspaper's office. Mr Mahadik also carried a letter from the Shiv Sena chief which clarified that the throne, in fact, was made of wood but had a covering of silver.

The newspaper has said it will return Mr Thackeray's ''throne'' back to him. Only Mr Thackeray has the right to use this throne and we will return it back to him, the newspaper has said.

UNI JM MAZ PA PC2146

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