CM discusses Girgaum Ganesh pandals with MNS chief's son

Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit Thackeray regarding the Ganesh festival pandals in Girgaum, Mumbai.

With Ganesh mandals not getting permissions from the BMC to raise pandals in this area, Mr Fadnavis assured Amit of help. Interestingly, BMC comes under the Shiv Sena and Mr Fadnavis’ meeting the MNS chief’s son is being seen as a political move.

A few Ganesh festival organisers last week met Raj Thackeray regarding permissions for their pandals. The MNS chief assured them of his help. In that context, Amit met Mr Fadnavis along with these organisers, who informed Mr Fadnavis that they were among a clutch of the oldest Ganesh mandals, known for their tradition of celebrating the Ganesh festival with complete social responsibility. Mr Fadnavis said that his government was with the organisers and that they could raise the pandals.

Mr Fadnavis is helming the state government with the Sena as an alliance partner. Currently however, the allies are at odds over several issues.