Mumbai Civic Body Dismantles Gymnasium Inaugurated by Aaditya Thackeray, Reinstalls it Later

Mumbai, Maharashtra: What was supposed to be a high profile launch of an open air gymnasium by Shiv Sena's rising star Aaditya Thackeray, turned out to be an embarrassment for the party and their young leader.

Officials of the Shiv Sena controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) today dismantled the same gymnasium within a day of its launch, only to reinstall it later.

Attributing it as a miscommunication on part of the BMC, Mr Thackeray said, "The ward officer was apparently unaware that all necessary permissions were in place."

Marine Drive witnessed launch of the open-air gymnasium in the heritage area yesterday. The fitness station is part of actor Dino Morea's initiative to help citizens stay fit at no cost. Mr Morea has already set up such fitness stations at Bandra Bandstand, Five Gardens, Dadar Shivaji Park and Worli Seaface, according to sources.

Apart from Mr Thackeray who heads the Shiv Sena's youth wing, actor Jacqueline Fernandes was present at the inauguration.

In April, Mr Morea had written to BMC seeking permission to install open-air 10x10 square feet fitness stations on the stretch between Oberoi hotel and Girgaum Chowpatty.  The fitness station is an easily removable structure made of non-corrosive material, being set up 10 feet away from traffic junctions.