While preparations for the Nashik 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela are gaining momentum, the guardian minister for Nashik district has still not been appointed. Raising this issue, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party chief Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticized the Mahayuti government. Additionally, he sharply rebuked the government over the planned felling of 1,800 trees for the Sadhu Gram in the Tapovan area.
Girish Mahajan's appointment suspended within 24 hours, deadlock continues
On January 18, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced Girish Mahajan as the Guardian Minister for Nashik district. However, due to opposition from some leaders in the Shinde faction, the appointment was suspended within just one day. Even after many months, there is still no clarity on who will be the Guardian Minister of Nashik. Against this backdrop, Uddhav Thackeray said, “Why is a Guardian Minister not being appointed for an important district like Nashik? There is something fishy here. Is the answer hidden in the massive expenses of the Kumbh Mela?”\
“Major responsibility of Kumbh Mela, but neglect from the government”
Uddhav Thackeray said that the upcoming Kumbh Mela next year is a religious event for millions of devotees, and in such a massive arrangement, the government needs to be vigilant. He said, “Devotees and saints should not face inconvenience. The government's job is to provide facilities. But in Nashik, there is still no guardian minister, which in itself raises suspicion.” Referring to the stampede in Prayagraj, he said that if such accidents are to be avoided, transparency and accountability in planning are essential.
Sadhu Gram in Tapovan – Tradition or Sacrifice of the Environment?
There is a plan to set up Sadhu Gram on 1,150 acres in the Tapovan area for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Permission has been granted to cut down 1,800 trees for this purpose. This has sparked anger among local residents and environmentalists, and Thackeray has also raised questions about this decision. He said, “We are not opposed to Sadhu Gram; but building it in Tapovan is an insult to history and the environment.” “Tapovan has witnessed many Kumbh Melas – why are you destroying it?” Uddhav Thackeray highlighted the religious and natural significance of Tapovan. He said, “Tapovan, associated with Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, is one of the sacred places. For hundreds of years, the area has been rich in nature. Various medicinal plants and trees are found there. Cutting down such a place is wrong.”
“A question to those who say ‘If one tree is cut, plant ten’: then why not set up Sadhu Gram right there?” Girish Mahajan had stated, ‘If one tree is cut, we will plant ten trees.’ Responding to this statement, Uddhav Thackeray said, if the space is that large and you intend to do environmentally friendly work, then why not use the same location where Sadhu Gram was held during the last Kumbh Mela? Why have your eyes set only on Tapovan?”
Sharp attack on the government; political atmosphere heated up
Nashik's guardian minister, Kumbh Mela funds, tree felling in Tapovan... On all these issues, Uddhav Thackeray strongly targeted the government. His statements have sparked new discussions in the state's political circles, and internal disagreements within the Mahayuti over Kumbh Mela preparations have also resurfaced. Now, everyone is watching closely to see what exact stance the government takes and whether the decision on felling in Tapovan remains or is reconsidered.