Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has raised concerns over the Hindutva stance of the Mahayuti government following the restriction on Ganesh Mandals from immersing Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Questioning the government's decision, Thackeray asked, “Is this BJP's Hindutva of the Mahayuti government? Why did the authorities not inform Ganesh Mandals in advance?”

Maharashtra has a longstanding tradition of celebrating the Maghi Ganesh Festival, usually observed in February or March. However, following a Bombay High Court order, the BMC and Mumbai police have imposed restrictions on the immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.

As per reports, on Sunday, police stopped 14–15 Ganesh Mandals in Charkop and Dhanukarwadi from immersing idols in the sea and artificial ponds, citing the HC directive.

Addressing a Maharashtra Teachers Sena state convention in Mulund, Thackeray questioned the selective enforcement of rules. “If Prime Minister Modi can take a holy dip in the river at Kumbh Mela, why is the BMC and state administration restricting Ganesh Mandals from immersing PoP Ganesh idols? What kind of Hindutva is this?”

He further argued, “If PoP idols cause pollution, then shadu clay idols should be made available. But who will provide shadu clay? When Ganesh Puja begins, the administration sends notices a day before immersion – what kind of Hindutva is this?”

Meanwhile, UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray visited the BMC headquarters on Monday and criticised the authorities. “To stop the immersion of Ganpati Bappa, you show orders, but where are such orders for political hoardings? Why can't the government create an alternative system and hold meetings with the Mandals? Their ideology is the same – to erase our Maharashtrian Hindutva, the identity of our soil and impose their political ideology on us.”

Defending BMC actions, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said, “The HC has been clear on this matter, and we are merely the implementing authority. Therefore, we will not allow the immersion of PoP Ganesh idols in natural water bodies. If there are any objections, they should be addressed in court. We have received requests from some Ganesh Mandals to increase the size of artificial lakes. We are open to making such adjustments.”