Shelar Questions Aaditya Thackeray Over Opposition to Ganeshotsav Traditions

Mumbai, August 21, 2026: Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar on Friday questioned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray over what he described as growing opposition to traditional Ganeshotsav practices, including the making, decoration and immersion of Ganesh idols.

Referring to the Bombay High Court’s July 24, 2025 directions on the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, Shelar said the court had maintained its earlier position, clearing confusion ahead of the festival. He thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Ganeshotsav federations, idol-makers and mandals for supporting the issue.

Shelar alleged that attempts were being made to impose restrictions on traditional celebrations in the name of environmental concerns. Targeting Aaditya Thackeray, he asked why a distinction had earlier been made between Shadu clay and PoP idols and whether he was in touch with groups challenging traditional Ganeshotsav practices.

He also criticised the previous Uddhav Thackeray government over restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that Lalbaugcha Raja could not be installed for the first time in its century-old history.

On the Congress, Shelar demanded a Maharashtra Police inquiry into a viral video allegedly showing an offer of money linked to a Rahul Gandhi programme. He questioned the source of the funds and called for a detailed probe into possible financial links.

Reacting to the Jantar Mantar agitation, Shelar accused Congress of undermining constitutional institutions and asked whether the party wanted to create “anarchy” in the country.

On the Bandra West football ground dispute, he said the matter should be left to the court and challenged those protesting over open spaces to first raise similar questions about Prabodhan in Goregaon and Dahisar Sports Complex.