BJP MLA hits out at Maharashtra govt over curfew in Mumbai ahead of Gudi Padwa, Ram Navami

BJP MLA Ashish Shelar hit out at the Maharashtra government over the imposition of a curfew in Mumbai ahead of upcoming Hindu festivals.

BJP MLA Ashish Shelar on Tuesday took a dig at Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra for lack of clarity on guidelines before upcoming festivals. Mumbai Police has imposed section 144 from March 10 to April 8. Gudi Padwa is on April 2, while Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 10.

Gudi Padwa and Ram Navami are festivals where processions are organised, Ashish Shelar said, adding that “After Covid-19 pandemic, state government is giving the excuse of terror threat (to stop festival celebrations).”

"Why is the government paralysed by Hindu festivals? Reason for posing such restrictions before festivals is that terrorists and anti-national people can attempt attacks through drone, remote micro aircraft, and paraglider. Law and order are responsibility of the state but that doesn't mean people can't celebrate festivals. A curfew has been imposed in Mumbai just before Gudi Padwa and Ram Navami. Timing is questionable," Shelar said.

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Earlier, the BJP MLA had raised the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly, demanding that the processions should be allowed on Hindu New Year. However, no clear instructions have been received from the government so far.

Following this, Ashish Shelar hit out at the Maharashtra government at a press conference.

"Both the festivals (Gudi Padwa and Ram Navami) should be allowed after completing the entire legal process. The programme should not be tampered with. We are also holding discussions with these boards and committees and the BJP will participate in this festival," added Shelar.