Mumbai:
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, whose party workers had vandalized several exhibitions that displayed MF Husain's paintings, today commented on the artist's death.
"Damage may have been caused to modern art due to his demise. That's all. May Allah give him peace," 83-year-old Bal Thackeray said.
Right-wing groups like the Shiv Sena had declared war against Mr Husain over a series of paintings that they described as obscene.
"As an artist, everyone has a domain and Husain handled his modern art with zeal. However, he slipped while drawing paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses," Mr Thackeray said. He was happy in his field," he said, adding, "I do not like modern art."
His estranged nephew, Raj, who has launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said, "Husain was a national asset and his contribution to the field of Indian art can never be overlooked. Whatever controversies happened should be laid to rest with his passing and if his family wishes to bring back the mortal remains home, it should be allowed."