Why Thane civic body banned Maghi Ganesha festivities

Since the time the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) banned Maghi Ganesha celebrations on the streets of Thane, there has been a huge outcry, particularly from politicians. However, the reason for this is more political than religious: netas use public festivals and Ganesha mandals for their election campaigns.

DNA even has handbills and records that show their personal involvement in such events. On January 11 this year, the TMC, fearing political canvassing, announced that it would not permit Maghi Ganesha festivities at public places in Thane.

“We are not granting permission for these celebrations due to the code of conduct being brought into effect. We never know what political party or politician will use them for canvassing. And it becomes difficult to keep an eye on the happenings in the mandal round the clock,” said RA Rajeev, TMC commissioner.

Rajeev was instigated to pass this order after obtaining the handbill belonging to one of the mandals.  The handbill, distributed by Lokmanya Nagar Sanskritik Pratishthan, has photos of MLA Pratap Sarnaik (Shiv Sena) and Sena leader Eknath Shinde on it. It also says that with Sarnaik’s ‘inspiration’, the Pratishthan has organised the Shri Ganesha Varadmahayaag on January 26, from 8am to 12.30pm.

Last year, the TMC gave permission to 20 mandals for Maghi Ganesh celebrations.  But this year, none of them were allowed. 
“Most of these politicians are on the executive committees of the mandals. So they are likely to influence voters who go there to offer pujas,” says a TMC official.  “Moreover, sensing the code of conduct during elections, a lot of politicians have resigned from these committees, but their presence can yet be felt.”

Many Thanekars seem to agree with the TMC. “I am not against celebrations, but all these festivals have been hijacked by politicians. With these pandals on the road, it becomes difficult to walk, and the kind of noise pollution they generate on the pretext of religion is too much,” says Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who had filed a PIL in the Bombay high court two years ago.

Activist Radhakrishnan Iyer from Thane said, “These politicians have their own publicity stunts, and have no concern for the public.”

“The election code of conduct allows Ganesha Utsav celebrations. But permissions are to be sought at the local level.  It is the commissioner’s right to give permission in this matter,” said Neela Satyanarayan, state election commissioner.

Under Section 234 of the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, however, the commissioner may permit booths, etc., to be erected on streets during festivals.

Avinash Karke, president of the Sarvajanik Maghi Ganesha Janmostav mandal, said, “When we first approached the TMC, it asked us to get no-objection-certificates from the local police station, fire brigade and traffic departments, which we did. But on January 3, 2012, when the code of conduct was announced, the TMC asked us to get permission from the state election commission, which then said it did not have the authority to grant permission. We will file an appeal in the HC.”