Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
While celebrating the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with enthusiasm, citizens were urged by Commissioner of Police (CP) Praveen Pawar to be aware of their duties as much as their rights.
On the occasion of the Shiv Jayanti festival, which is celebrated on Wednesday, the police held a meeting with Shiv Premis and members of the Peace Committee 24 hours in advance. During this meeting, the Shiv Premis raised a list of issues. They requested arrangements for mobile toilets for women and young girls along the main procession route, removal of heavy vehicles parked on the streets, prioritisation of women's safety, and sufficient time for ‘dhol pathaks’ to perform.
The meeting was attended by CP Praveen Pawar, Deputy Commissioners Nitin Bagate, Shilwant Nandedkar and Prashant Swami, founder president of Shiv Jayanti Mahotsav Prithviraj Pawar, and this year's festival committee president Balasaheb Thorat.
Remove the Barricades
Large rallies are set to pass through Kranti Chowk, Akashwani Chowk, and the Seven Hills area. Besides, millions of followers are expected to gather at Kranti Chowk to witness the festivities. During this time, to avoid traffic congestion, the attendees requested the removal of the barricades at Hotel Amarpreet and Akashwani Chowk and open up the roads.
Anger over the additional municipal commissioner’s suggestion
During the meeting, the attendees expressed anger over the statements and speaking style of the municipal corporation’s additional commissioner Ranjit Patil. He remarked that development work is ongoing in the city and urged people not to make a fuss over difficulties. "Don’t put up banners everywhere, we don’t have only work of removing banners, and don’t make a big deal out of any issues," said the additional commissioner.
His words and tone angered the attendees. Chandrakant Bharat directly stood up and asked, "Are you threatening us?" This led to a tense atmosphere in the meeting for a while. However, founder president Prithviraj Pawar intervened, calming Bharat down and resolving the issue.