Donation of idols is a voluntary matter for devotees ! – Kolhapur Dy. Municipal Commissioner

Kolhapur:  Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) will not force anyone for donation of Shri Ganesh idols and it will be purely individual’s will, was the promise given by Dy. Commissioner of KMC Shri. Vijay Khorate. On 7th September, a representation was submitted to him against donation of idols; advising immersion in flowing water. Shri. Kishore Ghatge of Shiv Sena, Shri. Balasaheb Nigavekar, representing ‘Kumbhar’ community, Shri. Shivajirao Sase of ‘Hindu Ekata Andolan’, Shri. Madhukar Nazare, Shri. Kiran Duse, Shri. Sudhakar Sutar of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) were present on the occasion.

Views expressed by ‘Hindutvavadis’ on the occasion

1. Shri. Kishore Ghatge of Shiv Sena said, “Immersion of Shri Ganesh idols is an ancient tradition and should not be stopped by KMC. If any idol gets damaged at the time of donation, KMC will be solely responsible for the same. If donation of idols drive is undertaken by KMC, are the organizations getting advertisements for accepting donation doing business ?

2. Shri. Madhukar Nazare said, “Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued many notices to KMC for not processing sewage water. KMC’s bank guarantee for Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakhs was cancelled twice. Its power supply was also disconnected as punishment. Three cases have been filed against the then KMC Commissioner, water engineer; therefore, KMC should not use its machinery for anti-Hindu Dharma drive like donation of idols.

3. Shri. Kiran Duse said, “Shri Ganesh idols are taken in dirty garbage vans which hurt religious sentiments; so, the Government should take proper care.”

Shri. Balasaheb Nigavekar from ‘Kumbhar’ community had brought an idol of Shri Ganesh made of plaster of paris and he showed that it could be dissolved in plain water without using ammonium bicarbonate. After this demo, Dy. Commissioner said that KMC was given necessary instruction in that context and care would be taken about not forcing devotees in idol immersion matter.

Source: Dainik Sanatan Prabhat