Varsha Gaikwad, the City Congress Chief, has accused the Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde of disrupting the long-standing Ram Leela tradition at Azad Maidan. According to Gaikwad, the Ram Leela troupes performing there have been asked to burn Ravan’s effigy one day before Dasara and vacate the venue to make way for the Shiv Sena’s rally on October 24.
Gaikwad stated that this move breaks a 48-year-old tradition and has expressed her condemnation to the CM. She criticized the Shiv Sena for prioritizing its political interests over the sentiments of the people and the preservation of a cherished tradition. Gaikwad emphasized that the Ram Leela should continue uninterrupted, as it typically does from the first day to Dasara, without being shifted or terminated prematurely.
In response, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat explained that the Ram Leela artistes themselves decided to conclude their performance one day early and burn Ravan’s effigy on October 23, as part of mutual understanding.
He pointed out that Ravan’s effigy can be burned on any day, and there’s no issue with doing it a day earlier. Chief Minister Shinde expressed a desire to avoid controversy, leading to the decision to move the Dasara rally from Shivaji Park to Azad Maidan. Shinde has already coordinated with the organizers. Shirsat found it surprising that the Congress was not displaying reverence for Lord Ram, emphasizing that Ravan’s effigy can be burned at any time without causing any dispute.
The Shiv Sena’s faction withdrew its application, submitted months earlier, to prevent further disagreements with the Sena (UBT) over the venue for the Dasara rally at Shivaji Park.
