Amid the fear of the third wave of coronavirus, the Maharashtra government has decided to impose curbs in districts with higher positivity rates in the state. Moreover, ahead of Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has advised citizens to avoid crowding and gathering at public places during the festive season.
Therefore, BJP MLA Ashish Shelar on Tuesday, August 31, said that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government tried to stop the Ganesh festival, his party would retaliate.
While talking to the media, Shelar mentioned, “The state government used police force, filed cases and arrested BJP workers who wanted to celebrate Dahi Handi while observing all COVID-19 norms. Its highhandedness went on without protest. But if it tries to stop Ganesh celebrations, BJP will not tolerate it. It will strongly retaliate.”
He added that misuse of the police force to thwart the celebrations, beginning September 10, will not be acceptable.
This statement comes after the Thackeray-led government had banned the Dahi Handi festival as the state witnessed a rise in the COVID-19 cases.
“Festivals are being banned on the pretext that it draws a crowd, which is not good amid the pandemic. If that is the case, why are discos, bars and liquor shops being allowed to stay open? What about the huge crowd in these places?” Shelar asked.
According to reports, cases have been filed against BJP workers who wanted to celebrate Dahi Handi across Mumbai and suburbs, approval for which has been denied by the MVA government citing the pandemic.
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