Prime Minister Vajpayee would be present at the re-naming ceremony on March 31, Information and Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan said while briefing journalists about the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting.

In Mumbai, Chief Minister Narayan Rane welcomed the Centre's decision. The chief minister thanked the Vajpayee government for fulfilling the long pending demand of the alliance government. Rane further said that since last year, the Central Government has taken a number of decisions on long pending issues of Maharashtra for the welfare of the state and its self pride. The Shiv Sena and Congress have also welcomed the decision. Congratulating the Union Cabinet, Sena supremo Bal Thackeray said he was overwhelmed with joy since his long cherished demand has been fulfilled.

He recalled that once when Senaplaced a bust of Shivaji on a pedestal outside the international terminal building, police had seized it. ``Now I am awaiting the prime minister to formally name the airport after Shivaji,'' Thackeray added. The Congress also hailed the decision.