Apart from offering free ST bus services, the government is also planning to provide facilities for Ganesh devotees during the Ganesh festival. However, Uddhav Thackeray pointed out the poor condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway, saying that the road has so many potholes that even walking on it would be painful. At the same time, in Mumbai, if a road is dug up for a Ganesh pandal, a fine of INR 15,000 is charged. So, Thackeray appealed to the Ganesh Mandals not to pay this fine until the government repairs the potholes on the highway.
A meeting of Ganesh Mandals from Mumbai was held on Tuesday, August 12, at Rangsharda Auditorium in Bandra. While addressing the gathering, Thackeray said that the tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi started by Lokmanya Tilak is still being celebrated with great joy. He added that over time, there have been many challenges some caused by nature and some by the government with the COVID period being particularly difficult.
He also said, "Now that the processions of the mandals have started, some people are trying to stop them. But as long as we have the blessings of Ganpati Bappa, we don’t need to worry. Let them try to stop us, we won’t fall for their tricks." Thackeray urged the Ganesh devotees and mandals not to be misled by such tactics.
The state government has asked Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, for a report on the environmental impact of immersing Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Thackeray strongly opposed this. He questioned why Kakodkar, who once supported nuclear energy despite its environmental risks, is now being treated as an environmental expert. Thackeray criticised the government for relying on him and expecting everyone to follow his advice.
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Regarding the ban on POP idols, Thackeray said that while alternatives exist, the government hasn’t provided any support or clear guidelines like what material to use or how tall the idols should be. He questioned why the Ganesh Mandals have to approach the government every year for answers. He warned that if the restrictions on POP idols are not lifted by March, another meeting will be held under his leadership to decide the next steps for a movement across Mumbai.