‘Celebrate Ganeshotsav Like Never Before': Shelar Blames Urban Naxals For Attack On Hindu Fests
Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar on Sunday made an emotional appeal to the people of the state to celebrate this year's Ganeshotsav with unmatched fervour and pride, declaring it a State Festival while warning of a 'well-crafted plot" by so-called urban Naxals to target Hindu traditions.
Speaking in the heart of Pen — a small town that has, for generations, given life to millions of Ganesha idols adorning homes and pandals across the country — Shelar's message struck a deeply personal chord with the community of sculptors whose livelihoods are entwined with this beloved festival.
Addressing a packed gathering of artisans, local leaders, and residents at Tambadshet, of Raigad district, which is also known as hub of artisans, Shelar did not mince words. 'There has been a systematic attempt to undermine our festivals like Ganeshotsav, Dahi Handi and Nagpanchami under the guise of environmental concerns. But behind this is a deliberate conspiracy by urban Naxal elements with backing from Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena," Shelar said, receiving thunderous applause from idol makers who see their craft as a sacred tradition.
Shelar recalled how the ban on Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, which once threatened to choke the local economy of places like Pen, was part of this larger narrative. 'Had we not stood firm, thousands of idol makers would have been left without work. Our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji and I fought this battle shoulder to shoulder — in the courts, on the streets and with the people — and we won," he said, promising continued protection of age-old practices.
For many sculptors in attendance, Shelar's announcement that Ganeshotsav will now be officially celebrated as Maharashtra's State Festival felt like justice served. 'This festival feeds our families, binds our communities and keeps our traditions alive. Today we feel seen," said Abhay Mhatre, President of the Maharashtra Ganesh Sculptors' Association.
As Shelar ended his address with chants of 'Ganapati Bappa Morya!", the message was loud and clear — this Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra will not just worship an idol but also stand guard against forces that, he said, seek to dilute its cultural soul.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
6 minutes ago
- Hans India
Sarithamma Champions OBC Empowerment at Congress National Meet in Delhi
Gadwal: A major gathering of prominent Congress OBC (Other Backward Classes) leaders was held at the historic Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, aiming to build unity and raise awareness among OBC communities across the nation. The event saw the participation of several high-profile Congress leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, PCC Chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers from the OBC community, and other senior leaders. Among the distinguished attendees was former Zilla Parishad Chairperson and Congress Party Gadwal Constituency In-Charge Sarithamma, who addressed the gathering with a powerful speech focused on the upliftment of marginalized communities. Key Highlights of Sarithamma's Speech: Sarithamma emphasized the need for social, educational, and economic development of underprivileged sections of society, particularly OBCs. She expressed confidence in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi to steer the nation towards inclusive growth. She noted that: > 'To provide justice to the backward classes, there is a dire need for a strong and empowered OBC movement. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party is committed to pressuring the central government to pass the long-pending 42% OBC Reservation Bill, which will be a historic step for backward communities across the country.' She added that the time has come for people from weaker sections to unite and support Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister of India. "The sons and daughters of marginalized communities are calling for Rahul Gandhi to lead the nation and ensure their rightful place in society," she asserted. Prominent Participants: The conference witnessed the participation of: Sitting and former OBC MLAs, MPs, MLCs Corporation Chairpersons, Market Committee Chairpersons DCC Presidents Senior leaders from Congress Party's OBC wings and affiliated associations Representatives from Youth Congress, NSUILibrary Corporation Chairpersons Eminent OBC intellectuals and scholars Influential figures from various OBC community organizations and caste-based associations This large-scale meeting is seen as part of the Congress party's renewed strategy to mobilize backward classes ahead of the upcoming elections and reinforce its commitment to social justice and equality. With strong voices like Sarithamma advocating for grassroots empowerment, the event marked a significant step towards strengthening the Congress party's OBC outreach across India.
Hans India
6 minutes ago
- Hans India
Presentation on Op Sindoor instils sense of pride, patriotism among participants
Visakhapatnam: Adefence lecture cum presentation on Op Sindoor was conducted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam. Featured for the benefit of the students of various educational institutions, the event aimed at instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among participants. Op Sindoor was a military operation aimed to punish the perpetrators of terror to destroy terror infra and dismantle networks enabling cross-border terrorism in Pakistan and PoJK. As the name suggests, it is the mark of married Hindu women and a reference to the massacre in Pahalgam in which men were singled out, based on the basis of their religion and killed. Operation Sindoor is a testament to the Indian Armed Forces' bravery and strategic prowess, unwavering resolve against the terrorism and determination to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. It also highlighted the importance of information warfare. 'By being an information warrior, you can support our soldiers and counter Pakistan's disinformation. Together, we can foster a whole-of-nation approach against terrorism. Self-reliance and Atmanirbharta in our equipment and technology will further strengthen our resolve. Let us work together towards a safer, more informed India,' highlighted the officials during the defence lecture. Also, the operation highlighted the saga of valour and fortitude of the Indian Armed Forces. Organised by the National Cadet Corps, the event was held in the presence of Col Shiv Gehlot, Officiating Group Commander NCC, Colonel Tapas Mandal, Commanding Officer NCC and other associated NCC officers and 500 NCC cadets from the various educational institutions. The Indian Navy was represented by Captain (IN) Rajashekhar.
Hans India
6 minutes ago
- Hans India
Questions on Siddaramaiah's tenure as CM persist
Bengaluru: Will he or won't he. This is the million dollar question hotly debated in Karnataka's political circles over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah completing his term, even as a unique record beckons the veteran, who along with his deputy and another claimant for the CM's chair, D K Shivakumar, once again air dashes to Delhi. Siddaramaiah, in his second term as chief minister, is on the cusp of becoming the longest serving elected head of the state, closing in on veteran Devaraj Urs' record as CM for over 2,700 days. Despite his assertions, questions over whether he will complete a full five year tenure in office, or if he will make way for DKS as per a rumoured rotational formula, persists. Shivakumar is addressed as DKS. The two are in New Delhi in their third trip since June, even as an uneasy calm prevails in the state Congress unit where voices from either camps have fallen silent over the CM issue following a high command gag order. During their visit to the national capital, the two leaders are likely to meet the Congress' top brass. Unlike in the past, there have been no open remarks by MLAs on the CM change issue this time, following the diktat from leadership. However, silent strategies and maneuvering are certainly on, as the government is nearing two-and-half years in office, said a senior Congress leader, summing up the atmosphere within the ruling party. Though the Delhi visit is to attend the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' organised by AICC Backward Class unit on Friday, Congress insiders indicate about the CM possibly meeting party leader Rahul Gandhi. A similar meeting could not happen last time, in the second week of July. However there is no official confirmation in this regard so far. There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the CM change later this year, citing the power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. However, the Congress leadership seems to have adopted a strategy of keeping both sides waiting, until the Bihar polls are over. Siddaramaiah is the only OBC chief minister the Congress has in the country at present, and many party leaders are of the opinion that any move to replace him will have a bearing on the party's performance in the poll-bound Bihar, where the OBC votes are crucial.
