Bawankule urges Jarange to defer Mumbai march during Ganeshotsav
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule appeals to Manoj Jarange Patil to hold off his Mumbai agitation as the festival continues
Maharashtra is celebrating Ganeshotsav even as Manoj Jarange Patil's planned Mumbai agitation dominates discussion. Jarange Patil, on hunger strike for the past 15 days, remains firm on his decision to fast at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Mumbai Police have refused permission for the agitation, leaving open the question of whether Jarange will march to Mumbai.
State minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has made a heartfelt appeal to Jarange Patil over the planned agitation, saying this is not the right time for protests in the state during the sacred occasion of Ganeshotsav.
Bawankule said, "On this holy festival of Ganeshotsav, I appeal to all parties and people that these are not days for agitation in the state." He added that Ganpati Bappa has come to give Maharashtra a direction of development and a spirit of unity. These ten days are meant to strengthen Maharashtra, and everyone should ensure there is no disturbance in society during this period.
Jarange Patil, meanwhile, remains firm on his decision to agitate. He is set to head to Mumbai and has prepared to fast at Azad Maidan. The government continues its efforts to persuade him, and it remains to be seen whether he changes his decision.
Bawankule also gave important information on the drought situation in the state. He said data on drought conditions from 18 districts has reached the government and this report will be placed before the cabinet. Orders have been issued for a fresh survey in areas that received good rainfall.
Bawankule said 107 cabinet decisions related to the revenue department have been taken so far, and a Land Titling Act will soon be introduced in the state. He made clear that the government is trying to ensure no property registration can take place without proper measurement.
He said the revenue department is working to protect the property rights of farmers, farm labourers and ordinary citizens. He also said work will proceed on the Chief Minister Baliraja Road scheme.
With Jarange's planned Mumbai agitation on one side and Ganeshotsav on the other, the government's stance is expected to further heat up the state's political atmosphere in the coming days.
