Heights of Appeasement- Shame!!

"सोसायटीमध्ये सार्वजनिक कुर्बानी नाही तर दिवाळीची लाइटिंग ही नको - उद्धव
मुंबई, ठाण्यामधील उद्धव गटाच्या कार्यकर्त्यांमध्ये नाराजी

उमेश पाटील, विशेष प्रतिनिधी

सार्वजनिक गणेशोत्सव सुरु झाला की मुंबईतील विविध मंडळांकडून दर्शनासाठी गेलेल्या गणेश मूर्तीसमोर पांडाल, मांडव उभारून त्यातही बिघाड लावला जातो. तसेच या मांडवात नेत्यांचे फोटो लावण्याची परंपरा होती. परंतु, आताच्या परिस्थितीत विविध लोकांच्या मागणीनुसार मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव ठाकरे यांच्या म्हणण्याप्रमाणे गणेश मंडळांनी नेत्यांचे फोटो न लावण्याची मागणी केली आहे. विशेष म्हणजे उद्धव ठाकरे यांनी म्हटले आहे की जर सार्वजनिक सोसायट्यांमध्ये कुर्बानी परवानगी देणार नसाल, तर दिवाळीची लाइटिंग देखील लावू नका. यामुळे विविध सोसायटींमध्ये आणि ठाण्यातील शिवसेनेच्या कार्यकर्त्यांमध्ये नाराजी दिसून आली आहे."

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In a recent statement, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray stirred controversy by suggesting that if public societies cannot permit sacrifices (slaughtering innocent animals), then they should also refrain from putting up Diwali lights. His comment came amidst tensions in Mumbai and Thane, especially among Shiv Sena supporters, who voiced dissatisfaction over the decision.

Uddhav Thackeray, once regarded as the flagbearer of his father Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva ideology, seems to be drifting far from the foundational principles of Shiv Sena. Balasaheb was known for his unwavering commitment to Hindutva and support for Hindu cultural traditions. Yet, Uddhav’s statements, urging a compromise on Diwali decorations if sacrifices aren't permitted, appear to undermine those very values.

How ironic that the legacy of Balasaheb, a staunch advocate for Hindu pride, is now represented by a leader seemingly hesitant to uphold the traditions his father championed. Uddhav’s attempt to equate religious sacrifices with Diwali decorations comes across as a weak attempt to appease all sides, but it risks alienating the core Shiv Sena base. What would Balasaheb think, seeing his vision for a proud Hindu Maharashtra reduced to a mere balancing act? Shame indeed, as the ideology of Hindutva appears to be diluted under Uddhav’s leadership.