Raj Thackeray urged citizens to practice restraint during Diwali as rural Maharashtra faces severe water shortages and farmer financial pressure.
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 and The New Indian Express, 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 prudent while rural Maharashtra deals with a severe drought, financial pressure on farmers, and the migration of thousands to cities.
The Maharashtra government has identified 85 per cent of the state as drought-hit after insufficient rainfall this year. The state has also announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 for farmers before the Diwali festival.
The Dipotsav event typically 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 figures, including scriptwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar in 2024. In 2023, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis attended the event.
