In a fiery address at Bandra’s Rangsharda Auditorium, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray warned that Ganpati mandals will not pay municipal penalties for potholes caused during pandal setups unless the state government first takes action against those responsible for the crater-ridden Mumbai–Goa highway.

Thackeray’s statement comes after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rolled back a steep hike in fines for such damages but retained a penalty of ₹15,000 per pothole. He accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of selectively targeting festival organisers while ignoring larger public infrastructure failures.

“If you want to fine Ganpati mandals for potholes, first fine those who have turned the Mumbai–Goa highway into a death trap,” Thackeray declared, pointing to the treacherous condition of the route used by thousands of devotees travelling to Konkan for the festival each year.

Thackeray alleged that rival parties are making aggressive moves to wrest control of Ganpati mandals, but asserted that the Sena’s decades-long connection with these groups remains strong. He also vowed to keep the BMC under Sena’s control, signalling that the corporation will remain a political stronghold.

On the contentious issue of idol immersions, UBT leader Vinod Ghosalkar noted that the Bombay High Court has granted permission for large Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols — six feet or taller — to be immersed in natural water bodies until March 2026, provided artificial tanks are also made available. Smaller idols, however, must be immersed in artificial facilities.

Thackeray accused the government of double standards on environmental protection: “Why do they raise the green flag only during festivals, but stay silent when massive projects like the Gargai dam are in question?”

Meanwhile, BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar has been courting Ganpati mandals, promising to resolve their concerns and urging organisers to join hands with the BJP.