Raj Thackeray cancels MNS Deepotsav at Shivaji Park, citing drought in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has announced that the party's traditional Deepotsav at Shivaji Park in Mumbai will not be held this year. He cited the drought in the state as the reason.

Diwali begins tomorrow, and markets are crowded with shoppers. There is a festive mood everywhere, but rural Maharashtra is struggling with drought. People in many places are troubled by water shortages and farming difficulties. Thackeray took the decision in view of this situation.

Thackeray shared a video on the social media platform X to announce it. He said that when his brothers in Maharashtra are suffering the effects of drought, celebrating a Deepotsav with great fanfare did not feel right to him. He therefore decided to cancel this year's Shivaji Park Deepotsav. He captioned the video "Humble appeal" ("Namra Aavahan").

In the video, Thackeray said Maharashtra is going through a strange time. A serious question of water has arisen in villages, and the drought crisis is deepening. "If we celebrate Diwali in the cities with great enthusiasm, what will our brothers and sisters living in the drought-hit areas feel? What effect will it have on the minds of their small children?" According to Thackeray, everyone should think about this.

He also referred to the Chief Minister's statement on the drought. Thackeray said the Chief Minister has said this year's drought could be worse than that of 1972. In Thackeray's view, large-scale celebrations are not appropriate in such a grave situation.

He also made clear that he has not asked people to skip Diwali or to observe a "black Diwali". His request is that people put up lanterns, share festive food and enjoy the festival, but keep a check on decorative lighting and firecrackers. Thackeray said: "We are citizens of Maharashtra and we love Maharashtra. When our brothers in the state are in distress, it is necessary to be mindful of their condition."

The MNS holds a grand Deepotsav at Shivaji Park every year. The whole area is lit up attractively for the occasion. People come from Mumbai, Thane and other parts of the state to see the firecracker displays and the decoration of lamps. This time, the decision not to hold the event was taken keeping in mind the plight of those battling drought.

Thackeray has expressed hope that the state's situation will improve next year and that everyone will once again celebrate Deepotsav with full enthusiasm. His decision has also set off discussion in political circles, and his appeal in the midst of the drought is being noted.