Mumbai (The Hindu): Civic body yet to identify an official residence for Vishwanath Mahadeshwar. A week after he was elected city Mayor, Vishwanath Mahadeshwar is still waiting for the BMC to find him an official residence. With the existing Mayor Bungalow in Shivaji Park being converted into a memorial to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, the civic body is out house hunting, apparently with little success.

Shiv Sena leader in the House Yashwant Jadhav said they are considering the bungalow housing Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta in Malabar Hill for the Mayor, or one inside Byculla Zoo.

Mr. Jadhav said, “The bungalow inside the zoo is small and not comfortable for meetings or receiving international delegations, which the Mayor does regularly in his official capacity. So, we are not keen on that. The Malabar Hill bungalow, which houses the BMC Commissioner, can be used after discussions with concerned officials, but nothing has been decided.”

The existing Mayor bungalow is to be handed over to a trust that will build and maintain the memorial. Though both BMC and the Assembly have cleared the proposal, the Mayor Bungalow will remain with the civic body till takeover formalities are completed.

A senior civic official said, “This is such a sham. The administration knew that a new Mayor will be taking over. How could they not identify a residence in advance? Those at Rani Bagh or the zoo don’t have the facilities to entertain guests. Also, it does not befit a Mayor, and it is unfair to put him up in the bungalow at the zoo. Would the Municipal Commissioner give up his place to stay there?”