Residents of Girgaon’s Prathana Samaj area cannot thank Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray enough for his visit to their locality. They say it was because of his visit that it was spruced up and cleared of illegal parking, illegal hawkers and traffic jams from Wednesday night, before his arrival on Thursday. The minister was there for Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj’s death anniversary.

Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj died on May 6, 1922 in Panhala Lodge in the area. The lodge has been replaced by a building. A statue of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj was inaugurated by Thackeray Jr in the society. Sadly, residents said after this function, the illegal hawkers and other issues were back. They say they want netas to keep visiting their locality if these issues are resolved when they visit.