A much-delayed memorial to late Bal Thackeray has got a massive boost as the State Cabinet on Tuesday approved financial assistance of Rs 100 crore for it. The decision of the BJP government which shares power with the Shiv Sena is seen as an effort to build bridges with the estranged partner.

Sources said that the Thackeray family and Sena leaders would conduct a small puja at the memorial site - the Mayor's former residence near Dadar's Shivaji Park - on Wednesday. CM Devendra Fadnavis has also been invited for the puja. The Sena founder passed away six years ago in November 2012 and the demand for a memorial was raised immediately after.