In a move to counter opposition criticism and strengthen public awareness, the Maharashtra government will use this year’s Ganesh festival to showcase the country’s achievements in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the importance of using indigenous products.
Backdrop of Political Criticism
The decision comes after opposition parties in Parliament targeted the BJP-led Central Government over the abrupt ending of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the 50% import tax imposed by the US government on Indian-made goods. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, urging Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival Committees to highlight India’s strength during ‘Operation Sindoor’ and encourage the public to support homegrown industries.
Call for Coordination with Festival Committees
Fadnavis appealed for close coordination between festival committees and the state administration to ensure peaceful and enthusiastic celebrations. He suggested that tableaux based on ‘Operation Sindoor’ be dedicated to soldiers and assured that all concessions granted to Ganesh Festival Committees last year would continue this year.
Law and Order Preparations Reviewed
Later, the Chief Minister reviewed law and order arrangements for the festival at Sahyadri Guest House in a meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of State for Home (Rural) Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam, and Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar.
Ease for Idol Makers and Organisers
Fadnavis directed the administration to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience during the celebrations. He also instructed that idol makers, like public Ganesh Festival Committees, be granted continuous five-year permissions with annual renewals through the municipal corporation’s computerised single-window system.
Infrastructure for Immersion Activities
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to expand the number of artificial ponds for idol immersion and increase the availability of boats for immersing tall idols in deep-sea areas.
Ganeshotsav Declared a State Festival
Declaring Ganeshotsav a “state festival,” Fadnavis said extensive planning had been undertaken to celebrate it on a large scale. He stressed the need to strictly follow the law during the festivities and noted that Eid-e-Milad will coincide with the Ganesh festival period this year, requiring extra care to maintain communal harmony.
Possible Extension of Loudspeaker Use
The Chief Minister indicated that the government would take positive steps within court-mandated limits to extend the number of days loudspeakers can be used during the festival.
Property Tax Relief for Committees
In a relief measure, it was decided that Ganesh Festival Committees whose offices are not used for commercial purposes and submit a written declaration to the state administration would be exempt from property tax.
