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“Fadnavis declares: With BMC’s sinful pot smashed, the city is ready to taste the true butter of growth”
- by Webdesk
- 17 Aug 2025
Source: The Hindu
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday (August 16, 2025) made a striking statement on Mumbai’s civic politics, asserting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance had successfully exposed and dismantled years of corruption within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Addressing large gatherings at Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai and Thane, Mr. Fadnavis declared that the ruling alliance had shattered the “pot of sins” which shielded those who systematically looted the civic body, and was now determined to redirect the focus towards development and progress for the city.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the celebrations, the Chief Minister remarked, “A change in the BMC is inevitable. We have broken the pot of corruption and wrongdoing of those who misused the civic corporation. In its place, we have opened the pot of development for the people of Maharashtra. The benefits — the butter from this pot — will now go directly to the citizens.”
In a sharp swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, Mr. Fadnavis added, “For many years, the corporation was looted and its resources exploited. Today, the people of Maharashtra clearly understand who was enjoying the butter of the municipal corporation. I need not spell it out any further — the people already know the truth.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to political developments a day earlier, when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced that Uddhav Thackeray’s party was likely to form an electoral alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for the upcoming civic polls. The undivided Shiv Sena had enjoyed unbroken control of the cash-rich Mumbai civic body for 25 consecutive years until 2022, when the political equations in the state changed.
Despite heavy showers across the state, the Dahi Handi festival witnessed enthusiastic participation. The festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, saw hundreds of govindas (participants) forming tall human pyramids to break the symbolic earthen pots filled with curd and butter. Alongside the traditional pyramid-breaking competitions, cultural events such as Lavani performances and folk music added colour to the celebrations.
One notable event took place in Dadar, where a group of women successfully broke the handi and were awarded a trophy, marking an inspiring moment of inclusivity. Mr. Fadnavis appreciated the high spirits of the participants despite the weather, saying, “The enthusiasm of the govindas has not diminished. I appeal to everyone to celebrate with full joy but also with safety in mind.”
In Ghatkopar, BJP MLA Ram Kadam organised a unique celebration by dedicating a dahi handi to India’s brave security personnel who took part in Operation Sindoor, the country’s military response in Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Praising the soldiers’ courage, the Chief Minister said, “Just as our armed forces destroyed Pakistan’s handi of sins, today’s celebration is dedicated to honouring their bravery and sacrifices on the battlefield.”
The Mahayuti government has consistently tried to give the festival greater recognition and safety. In 2022, the state officially declared Dahi Handi as an adventure sport and also introduced insurance coverage for participants to ensure their protection during the high-risk pyramid-building events.
Later in the evening, while addressing a gathering of govindas at the Tembi Naka Mitra Mandal event in Thane, Mr. Fadnavis showered praise on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Referring to Shinde as a “true Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray,” the Chief Minister underlined Shinde’s commitment to preserving and carrying forward the ideals of the Shiv Sena’s founder. He further said that Shinde was following in the footsteps of the late Sena stalwart Anand Dighe, whose influence and leadership shaped Thane politics for decades.
Through his speeches across Mumbai and Thane, Mr. Fadnavis combined festive cheer with political messaging, signalling both a cultural celebration of unity and a strong declaration of intent for the upcoming civic elections. By linking the symbolism of breaking the handi to breaking corruption in the BMC, he made it clear that the Mahayuti alliance plans to position itself as the force of accountability and progress in Mumbai’s governance.
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