For the past few weeks, Shivaji Park has been in the news, with clouds of controversy continuously looming over it. From debating whether it was right to allow Bal Thackeray’s last rites to be conducted in the public, to the debate over the makeshift memorial, and the vague attitudes shown by the State government and the Shiv Sena, Shivaji Park has become a hotly debated issue. Add to that the imbroglio over whether the Park’s name should be changed to Shiv Thirth, or the kind of memorial to be built — the park has become a battleground of egos.

In all this of course, the peace of the residents and those who use the park to play and exercise was the first casualty. They seemed fearful, wary and exasperated as they were caught up in this war of words, pompous statements, posturing and political muscle-flexing.