MNS cancels Shivaji Park Diwali lighting and fireworks, citing drought in Maharashtra

The Diwali illuminations at Mumbai's Shivaji Park have been officially cancelled. MNS leader Yashwant Killedar said drought-like conditions prevail in Maharashtra and the party has taken the decision for that reason.

According to Killedar, the party is small, yet there will be no lighting or fireworks this year. He said Diwali would be celebrated simply at Shivaji Park, with only akash kandils (festive lanterns) put up.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has put up lighting and fireworks at its Deepotsav every year. This time, the MNS has said the state faces a drought crisis and conditions are serious, so there will be no lighting or fireworks. Killedar said, "We will celebrate Diwali this year only by putting up akash kandils."

On the occasion, Killedar also responded to a remark by Amit Satam. He said Ashish Shelar, Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been on the same stage one day and the mood was cheerful. Killedar asked what need there was for Amit Satam to speak about Raj Thackeray the very next day.

Killedar also asked on what issue Satam based his remark resembling a charge of being a Pakistani agent. He said that instead of commenting on the MNS, Satam should first see that the BJP in Mumbai is deeply split. Taking a dig, Killedar said nobody backs Amit Satam or even consults him. He said Satam should first look at the divisions and disputes in his own party before speaking about the MNS.

Killedar also raised the issue of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, saying the Kumbh Mela too can be observed simply. According to him, expenditure on the Kumbh Mela in Nashik is limitless. He said several allegations of corruption have already been made, yet the event is being organised at such great cost.

Killedar said Maharashtra is already in drought, poor farmers have been given aid of only Rs 5,000, and meanwhile tenders worth crores are being issued for the Kumbh Mela, which are not needed.

He made it clear that the MNS is not against the Kumbh Mela. The objection is to large-scale spending through tenders. Killedar said that if the MNS, a small party, can cancel fireworks and lighting because of the drought, then the ruling and bigger party can do the same.