Raj Thackeray cancels MNS Diwali celebrations over drought situation in Maharashtra

Raj Thackeray said his party will not hold Dipotsav, its annual Diwali celebration at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year because of severe drought in the state

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said his party has decided to cancel its annual Diwali festival “Deepotsav” at Shivaji Park this year due to severe drought affecting several parts of Maharashtra.

In a video message, Thackeray also appealed to people of the state to be mindful while celebrating Diwali. (HT file photo)

In a video message posted on X, Thackeray said it will not be fair to celebrate Diwali in a grand manner when people in rural Maharashtra were struggling with a severe water crisis.

He appealed to people to celebrate Diwali in a simple manner and avoid firecrackers and elaborate lighting and instead light a lantern.

“Today, Maharashtra is going through a tough situation. There is a serious water crisis in rural parts of the state and the drought is severe. If we celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm, what would our brothers and sisters in the state and their children feel? We must think about it,” Thackeray said.

He added that celebrating the festival while fellow citizens were suffering due to drought did not feel good to him.