Ashok Shelke, the BJP group leader in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), has urged municipal commissioner Prithviraj B P to restrict Ganeshotsav-related contracts to Hindu contractors only. This request has sparked significant controversy within civic circles as it raises questions about inclusivity and fairness in municipal contracting practices. The Ganeshotsav festival, a major Hindu celebration, typically sees various civic projects and decorations funded by the local government, making the allocation of contracts a contentious issue.
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Shelke claimed that a majority of contractors were non-Hindus and alleged that some of them consumed non-vegetarian food while carrying out work during Hindu festivals, which, he said, affected the sanctity of the festival. Even if it causes financial loss, municipal works related to Ganeshotsav should not be awarded to non-Hindu contractors,” Shelke said. However, commissioner Prithviraj said the civic body would follow the law while awarding contracts. Anything outside the law will not be followed,” he said.
The civic body has begun preparations for Ganeshotsav, which is only a few days away. Every year, the VVCMC undertakes several arrangements for the festival, including setting up pandals and artificial immersion ponds, barricading immersion routes, providing illumination and making traffic-related arrangements. In a letter to the commissioner, Shelke sought that works such as erection of pandals, artificial immersion ponds, barricading along immersion routes, illumination and other arrangements for the festival should not be assigned to non-Hindu contractors. “Such practices will not be tolerated hereafter. “We follow the law. Download the TOI App.