August 17, 2025

The colorful festival of Dahi Handi got a political twist on August 16, 2025, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took center stage in Mumbai and Thane. In a dramatic gesture, Mr. Fadnavis broke the "pot of sins," symbolizing the end of corruption in Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Speaking confidently during the celebrations, he declared, "Change is certain in the BMC. We have smashed the pot of sins of those who looted the corporation and now we have opened the pot of development for the people of Maharashtra. The butter from this pot will now reach the people." His words were a fiery message signaling a big shift in Mumbai’s civic politics. Taking a sharp jab at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, the CM said, "After so many years of looting, people of Maharashtra now know very well who was eating the butter from the Mumbai municipal corporation. I do not need to add more words." This comment came just a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that the faction would join forces with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for upcoming civic elections. For 25 years until 2022, the undivided Shiv Sena ruled the wealthiest civic body in India. Dahi Handi, a fun and thrilling festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, saw spirited participation despite the rain. Govindas formed daring human pyramids to smash the handi (pot), and folk songs and Lavani dances added color to the festivities statewide. In Dadar, a group of women made headlines by breaking the pot and winning a trophy, showing that the spirit of the festival is alive and kicking. Mr. Fadnavis said, "The govindas’ spirit has not been dampened. We want everyone to celebrate the festivities with safety." In another touching moment from Ghatkopar, BJP MLA Ram Kadam dedicated a dahi handi to the brave security personnel who played a key role in Operation Sindoor, India's strike against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Mr. Fadnavis added, "Just as our security forces broke Pakistan’s handi of sins, we have dedicated the celebration to honour the bravery of our jawans who fought in the battle ground." Since 2022, the Mahayuti government has recognized Dahi Handi as an adventure sport and provided insurance to participants, making it safer and more exciting. Later, at the Tembi Naka Mitra Mandal event in Thane, Mr. Fadnavis hailed Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "true Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray," praising him for carrying on the legacy of the late Sena leader Anand Dighe. With these words and actions, Devendra Fadnavis turned the festive celebration into a platform for declaring a fresh and bold political journey for Mumbai’s future.

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Tags: Devendra fadnavis, Dahi handi, Bmc corruption, Mumbai civic politics, Mahayuti, Shiv sena,