A feud has ignited between the Maharashtra Congress and the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde concerning the choice of venue for a Vijaydashami or Dussehra event in Mumbai. The dispute was sparked when the Shinde Sena expressed interest in securing Mumbai’s Azaad Maidan for their party’s rally on the day of Dussehra.
In an attempt to secure the venue, the Shinde Sena has requested the Ramlila Mandal and Sahitya Kala Mandal to organize the traditional ‘Ravana Dahan’ ceremony on Navami, which is the day preceding Vijayadashami. This maneuver aims to ensure the availability of the venue for their rally on the desired day. The clash underscores the significance of public spaces for political and cultural events and raises questions about the allocation and scheduling of such spaces during festive occasions. It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and whether it will impact the Dussehra celebrations in Mumbai.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/mumbai/story/dussehra-2023-congress-hits-out-at-shinde-government-asks-for-ravan-dahan-on-navami-2452055-2023-10-21
Edited: Sakshi Semwal