Police and Ganesh Mandals Clash Over Procession Permits: Committee Threatens Protests; Joint CP Promises Decision in Tomorrow’s Meeting
In Vadodara city, the Police Commissioner has imposed a ban on Ganpati processions until Janmashtami, leading to widespread anger among Ganesh Mandals. Tensions have escalated between the police and the Ganesh Mandals.
The Vadodara Ganesh Utsav Committee has warned of intense protests if the restrictions on the Ganpati processions are not lifted within the next three days.
“History Will Be Made if Processions Are Not Allowed,” Warns Vadodara Ganesh Utsav Committee
Jay Thakor, President of the Vadodara Ganesh Utsav Committee, stated that Vadodara is known as a cultural city and a city of festivals. People of all religions celebrate festivals here with great enthusiasm. However, this year, Ganesh Mandals are facing many challenges during the Ganesh Utsav.
A directive has been issued, stating that due to inadequate police presence during the festival season, Ganpati processions have been restricted. Despite this, the Vadodara Ganesh Utsav Committee has fully cooperated with the Police Commissioner. We have been called to meet the Police Commissioner again tomorrow.
However, if the processions do not commence within the next three days, Vadodara will remember this, and history will be made as the committee launches a major protest.
Another Meeting with Police Commissioner Tomorrow; Ganesh Utsav Committee to Voice Demands
Jay Thakor further stated that there will be another meeting with the Police Commissioner tomorrow. Before that, we will try to communicate all our demands to the Police Commissioner through social media.
The new Police Commissioner is not yet familiar with the sentiments of Vadodara. The more Ganesh Mandals come forward, the more friction will occur. If the processions are allowed early, the scattered Ganesh Mandals will move without any issues.
Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Vadodara, but the Police Commissioner’s decision to ban processions until Janmashtami is completely wrong. If no solution is reached in the meeting on the 16th, we are prepared to launch an even stronger protest.
Is Vadodara Corporation Not at Fault?
Jay Thakor questioned the role of the Vadodara Corporation, mentioning that a few days ago, the roof of the old Dalasan Clock Tower building in the Dandiya Bazaar area collapsed during a DJ procession.
The building had been marked as dilapidated for the past two years, and a notice was issued for its demolition. Despite this, the police seized the DJs’ equipment. Why wasn’t any action taken against the corporation officials who issued the notice but failed to enforce it? Is Vadodara Corporation not at fault here? If the DJs are blamed, then the corporation officials who only issued notices without taking further action are also responsible.
“The Government is Not Supreme, God is Supreme,” Warns Ganesh Utsav Committee
Jay Thakor emphasized that the current government, which came to power by appealing to Hindu sentiments, now believes that they hold supreme authority. “We want to remind them that the government is not supreme; God is supreme. If you make a mistake in this matter, be prepared to face significant consequences in the future,” he warned.
Decision on Ganpati Processions to be Made in Upcoming Meeting
Vadodara Joint Police Commissioner Manoj Ninama stated that a meeting will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. with Ganesh Mandals to discuss the Ganpati processions. A decision regarding the processions will be made during this meeting.
Procession Finally Held After Approval Granted at 9:30 PM
It is noteworthy that last Saturday, a Ganpati procession for Shri Ji from Khanchi in Raopura was scheduled.
However, due to the lack of permission, the police initially prevented the procession, leading to tensions. Ultimately, approval was granted after 9:30 PM, and the procession was carried out.
Guidelines Issued to Ganesh Mandals
- Each Ganesh Mandal must assign 20 volunteers who will manage the procession and coordinate with the police at all times.
- Avoid using high-pressure sound systems. Only 6 bass and 4 mid-range speakers are allowed in the DJ setup.
- No Ganpati processions are to be held without police permission. Strict action will be taken against any violations.
- Special care must be taken to ensure that no one comes into contact with electric wires due to the height of the idol.
Top 5 Demands of Ganesh Mandals
- The ban on DJ sound systems during arrival and immersion processions should be lifted, and the 10-speaker limit should be removed.
- DJs, which are currently stopped at 10 PM, should be allowed to play until midnight during the processions.
- The dates for the processions that have been pre-determined by the Mandals should not be altered.
- There should be no restrictions on other festive activities, including SFX fireworks.
- Sound trailers should be permitted during the processions, with Mandals obtaining approval from the RTO for bringing in the trailers.
