"This is not freedom struggle, people are just trying to be heroes": Maha CM's dig at Oppn for organising Dahi Handi

Hitting back at the critics, especially the BJP and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray clarified that his government is not anti-Hindu and that the steps taken were not against any festival, but to curtail the spread of the virus.

Thackeray made these statements on Tuesday, August 31, while addressing a virtual event for the inauguration of two oxygen plants in Thane. 

The chief minister reminded the people of the Union government’s warning regarding a possible third wave of the coronavirus. 

“Those who are saying that our government is ant-Hindu, I want to show them a letter from the Centre which specifically asks to avoid crowding during festivals. The government is not against any festival, but is against the coronavirus,” he said.

“Those who want to agitate should protest against coronavirus. Ensure you increase oxygen generation plants. But you (the BJP) don't have the will or intention... you just want to come out on the streets and create chaos," the Chief Minister added.

Also Read: Maharashtra: Health Minister Tope Warns of a Third COVID Wave Ahead of Festivals

Moreover, taking a dig at Oppositions for protesting against the government and its decision, Thackeray stated that this is not the freedom struggle... people are trying to be heroes after organising a few Dahi Handis.

Thackeray also mentioned that some people want to take out yatras. This is so unfortunate. People are organizing events and putting the life of the common man in danger. 

On Monday, the BJP hit the streets demanding the temples to be re-opened and Dahi Handi festivities be allowed. Besides, it has come to light that many people had organised Dahi Handi functions despite the state government’s order to avoid gatherings and celebrations in public. 

MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar was detained by the police in central Mumbai, where has was busy organising a Dahi Handi in violation of the rules.

Also Read: Raj Thackeray Warns State Government: All Temples Must Be Opened, Otherwise…

Earlier, the Centre had advised the state to consider imposing local restrictions on these festivals and mass gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.