Sarnaik says Mira-Bhayandar civic body refused ground for Navratri, asks why Hindu festival is opposed

A row has erupted in Mira-Bhayandar over a ground for the Navratri festival. Maharashtra Transport Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik has alleged that the municipal corporation refused to rent out the Padma Bhushan Major Dhyan Chand ground. According to Sarnaik, the ground had been sought for the Navratri festival this year as in previous years, but the corporation declined, citing a resolution of the general body.

At a press conference, Sarnaik targeted the municipal administration and the ruling party. "We pay rent and take municipal grounds, so why oppose a Hindu festival?" he asked.

Sarnaik claimed the ground had been booked a day before the general body resolution. He said some grounds had been sought from the municipal commissioner for cultural events held through the year, and one of them has been given.

"We take municipal grounds on rent and also give funds to the corporation. Then why are the sentiments of citizens being played with? If the ruling party members, who call themselves champions of Hindutva, obstruct Hindu festivals, this will need to be thought over," he said.

Sarnaik also alleged that members, workers and leaders of the opposition have to make repeated rounds for permission when seeking a ground or municipal facilities for an event. He demanded that the same rules apply to everyone and that all be treated alike, without distinction between the ruling party and the opposition.

The corporation's policy on the use of grounds has earlier led to charges and counter-charges between the ruling party and the opposition. When a restriction on using grounds for religious, social and cultural events was raised, the issue of public events such as the Navratri festival and Dahi Handi had come up for discussion. The administration's stand, it has been said, is that grounds should be used for sporting activities and that large events should not damage them.

Sarnaik said this year's Navratri festival will not be limited to entertainment but will be used to help drought-affected farmers. He said he intends to spend Rs 8 crore to Rs 10 crore from his own resources on essential supplies, grain, medical help and other necessities for farmer families.

He claimed that last year cows were distributed to 101 farmer families in the Bhoom and Paranda areas of Dharashiv district. Sarnaik said financial assistance of about Rs 1.25 crore was given so that the families would have a source of income.

A stall providing information on the Chief Minister's Relief Fund will be set up at the festival venue. Citizens who wish to give financial help will be urged to contribute directly through the fund. Necessary permission has been sought from the district collector for those who wish to give help in the form of grain, medical kits, bicycles or other useful items. It was also said that transparency will be maintained while accepting help and care will be taken to avoid any misunderstanding.

Organisers said the Navratri festival and garba programme will be entirely free this time, with no entry fee for citizens. A QR code system has been arranged for entry. An appeal was made that the festival belongs to the common people, and that they should attend in large numbers, enjoy the cultural programmes and also contribute to helping drought-affected farmers.

Sarnaik said the question of permission for the ground has become the centre of a political dispute, and a letter has been sent to the state government. Political circles in Mira-Bhayandar are now watching what the municipal administration decides next on the ground.