CM Devendra Fadnavis urges public Ganpati mandals to showcase India’s military success and promote locally manufactured goods; the suggestion was given during the law and order review meeting held on Wednesday at Sahyadri Guest House at Malabar Hill
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (second from right) is presented with a Ganpati idol at the meeting on Wednesday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As the Opposition continues to question Operation Sindoor and the latest tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump, the BJP-led Maharashtra government plans to use the upcoming Ganesh festival to explain its side to people and encourage the use of Indian made products. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged public Ganpati mandals to showcase India’s military success in Operation Sindoor and promote the use of Swadeshi goods during the festival celebrations that commence on July 7.
The Opposition has been taking a dig at the Central government, accusing it of hiding facts about Operation Sindoor, and also slamming it over the high tariffs imposed by the US on India for doing business with Russia. Despite the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi often citing good relations with the US, the high taxes have become a talking point and ammunition for the Opposition. Meanwhile, Modi has called for an increase in the use of Swadeshi products as a solution to the US move.
Taking a cue from this development, Fadnavis has urged the Ganpati mandals to explain India’s stand and give a message to citizens through ‘Operation Sindoor’ and ‘Swadeshi’ themes during the festival. The suggestion was given during the law and order review meeting held on Wednesday at Sahyadri Guest House at Malabar Hill. Besides, Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and senior police and BMC officials were present for the meeting, along with members of the Ganesh festival celebration committees. Fadnavis, who also heads the home department, urged organisers to follow the rules and instructions from the police to ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival.
The CM even announced some relief to idol makers. “Idol makers will get permission for five years, but with a condition to renew the licence every year through the municipal one-window system,” he said. As immersion of PoP idols that are six feet in height and taller has been allowed this year, on the condition that immersions will take place in the deep sea, the CM directed the municipal administration to ensure enough boats are made available for the same. “For idols below six feet, the BMC has been asked to increase the number of artificial lakes provided by the corporation,” he said. As for requests by mandalas to extend the time limit to use loudspeakers, Fadnavis claimed that the government would seek court approval for an extension.
CM distances self from I-Day meat ban
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the government has no connection with a Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) order banning the sale of meat on Independence Day.
Asked about his views on the ban, Fadnavis clarified that this decision was not taken by the Mahayuti government. “It was taken in 1988 by the previous government. But, efforts are being made to show that this decision is taken by the current government,” Fadnavis asserted.
The CM mentioned that his government has no interest in deciding what people should eat, as there are far more important issues before it. The KDMC had issued an order banning the sale of meat on August 15. The Opposition has launched a scathing attack on the KDMC and even the ruling BJP-led government for this decision.
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