Raj Thackeray urged citizens to practice restraint during Diwali as rural Maharashtra faces severe water shortages and farmer distress.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray announced on Wednesday that the party will not host its annual Dipotsav celebration at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year. According to reports by The Economic Times, the decision was made because of the severe drought affecting the state.
In a video message, Thackeray requested that people be mindful during Diwali festivities. He stated that extravagant celebrations would not be wise while rural Maharashtra struggles with drought, farmers face intense financial strain, and thousands move to cities because of the conditions.
The Maharashtra government has identified 85 per cent of the state as drought-hit following insufficient rainfall this year. The state has also announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 for farmers before Diwali.
The Dipotsav is an annual event that draws thousands of people to Shivaji Park for light decorations and synchronised firecracker displays. Thackeray mentioned that the party will organise the event next year if the situation improves.
Previous Dipotsav celebrations have been inaugurated by various public figures. In 2024, scriptwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar inaugurated the event, while in 2023, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis attended the celebrations.
