Minister assures full support to Ganesh mandals during festival expenses

Mumbai, August 28, 2025 – A Shiv Sena minister sparked attention after assuring Ganesh mandals that they would not face financial difficulties during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. In a bold remark, the minister declared, “If the money runs out, my bag is open,” pledging personal financial support to community groups managing the festivities. The statement reflects the party’s outreach strategy as well as its attempt to strengthen its connect with local mandals during the high-spirited festival season.

The minister emphasized that Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a religious celebration but a cultural tradition that binds communities together. He noted that mandals often face challenges with rising costs of decorations, music systems, and security arrangements. By assuring assistance, the minister positioned himself and his party as allies of the organizers, ensuring that no mandal would have to scale down its celebrations due to lack of funds.

Observers pointed out that the minister’s remarks also carry political weight. Ganesh mandals hold significant influence in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, where thousands of large and small pandals are set up every year. Offering financial backing during the festival could be seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, aimed at consolidating grassroots support for the party.

While addressing the gathering, the minister also urged mandals to maintain discipline, avoid noise violations, and ensure smooth coordination with police and civic authorities. He said that community participation in maintaining law and order would reflect positively on the celebrations. The appeal sought to balance the generous offer of financial help with a reminder of civic responsibility.

Political analysts noted that the statement fits into a larger trend of parties trying to strengthen their visibility during major festivals. For decades, Ganesh Chaturthi has been closely tied to the political landscape of Maharashtra, with leaders using the platform to connect with citizens at the ground level. The Shiv Sena, in particular, has long projected itself as a patron of cultural traditions, making such gestures consistent with its image.

However, critics argue that overt financial promises by ministers could blur the line between personal generosity and political patronage. They caution that such statements should be weighed against the need for transparency and accountability in public life. Still, for mandals struggling with rising expenses, the assurance has been welcomed as timely relief.

The minister concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to stand by the mandals throughout the festival period. He reiterated that cultural celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi showcase the strength of community spirit, and no mandal should feel constrained by financial hurdles.

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