Avoid Ganeshotsav protests in Mumbai, says Bawankule; govt ready for drought-hit farmers

Revenue minister and Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has appealed to protesters not to hold agitations in Mumbai during the Ganeshotsav festival, saying this could raise law and order concerns. He also requested that all agitators remain mindful of the current situation in view of the Bombay High Court's rulings.

Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Bawankule said Ganeshotsav in Mumbai and Maharashtra is one of the biggest festivals in the country, and that avoiding protests during this period would be in the state's interest.

Asked about Manoj Jarange's agitation, Bawankule said the rights of neither the OBC community nor the Maratha community would be undermined. He claimed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have been consistently working on the demands of the Maratha community and have taken several decisions during their tenure that had not been taken before. He said the government is working to secure justice for the Maratha community and should be given adequate time to do so.

On the drought-like conditions in the state, Bawankule said the condition of farmers is more important right now than any agitation. He said around 18 districts in the state have received deficient rainfall, with crops withering in many areas. A meeting of all district collectors has already been held to review the situation, and another district-wise review meeting will be conducted. Bawankule said the government's top priority during the drought is to ensure farmers get the help they need and that no farmer is driven to suicide.

Bawankule said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed an immediate survey of the situation in the state and ordered district-wise reviews along with necessary relief measures. He said district collectors, guardian ministers and the concerned administrative machinery will conduct on-ground inspections in every district, and that he himself would visit some locations personally. The full report will be presented at the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Bawankule also raised concerns over OYO hotels in Nagpur city, saying residents living near such hotels have been complaining. He said the matter was discussed with the police commissioner and that the Chief Minister has also been informed. He said strict rules have been framed for OYO hotels, making it mandatory to maintain records of guests checking in and out. He warned that action would be taken against hotels violating the rules, adding that the measure was aimed at preserving Nagpur's cultural and social traditions.