Uddhav Thackeray.

MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackeray warned courts and the state administration on Thursday to stop interfering with the Ganpati festival in the city. The Shiv Sena may begin a "maha-arati" campaign across Mumbai if those in power try to obstruct the smooth functioning of the mandals, he said.

Recalling that the Ganpati festival was started by Lokmanya Tilak in the pre-Independence era, Thackeray said: "We will not allow any undue interference in our festivals. If this government creates obstacles in the celebration of our festivals, I would say it is an anti-Hindu government." The Shiv Sena president dared the courts and the state administration to clamp a ban on loudspeakers at mosques.

The Ganpati mandals have been at loggerheads with the BMC authorities and the courts for a while over a clutch of regulations aimed at keeping Mumbai free of noise pollution and traffic snarls.

Thackeray was addressing a conclave of Ganpati mandals, which the Sena sees as its fiefdom. In an attempt to steal a march over the Sena, the MNS, too, is making an attempt to befriend the mandals.

Pointing out that the Centre recently upheld the anti-atrocities Act provisions despite the Supreme Court ruling against it, Thackeray said: "Similarly, the government can amend noise pollution and other laws to permit Ganpati mandals to go ahead with the public festival... Those who get disturbed should retire to a nearby graveyard to seek mental peace." The BJP-led government has already diluted silence zones, with only 110 remaining in the city.

