THANE: In the run up to the forthcoming 2019 elections, political parties and netas in the city have gone on an overdrive and are trying to reach out to residents and connect with them this
Ganeshotsav.
While some parties have planned visits to pandals, others will be operating special free buses to ferry residents to and from Konkan. Some were even seen handing out food packets to those travelling to their native place.
A politician from old Thane city said that there are nearly 180
mandals in his ward which have requested his presence during the 10-day festival. “I have no option but to attend all of them. This way, I will get more visibility and my party and this will help in the forthcoming elections. This is also a good way to connect with residents,” said the neta.
Meanwhile, the city-unit of the BJP held a meeting on Monday evening to chalk out plans to reach out to the residents through various initiatives. Senior leader and MLA
Sanjay Kelkar had already paid a visit to
MSRTC bus stand on Sunday and started connecting with travellers and distributing food packets to those travelling.
The MNS was seen backing several Ganpati artisans and workshops by warning the administration to not take any action on them under the guise of encroachments.
Several other enterprising netas from the city have organised bus services for those travelling to Konkan for the festival. Almost all political parties, including the NCP and Sena have scheduled buses for residents from the area. Sena corporator Naresh Mhaske from Anand Nagar said that there special buses have been deployed to ferry residents to their native place. NCP neta Hanumant Jagdale has also madesimilar plans.
“This year, the festivals will be an ideal platform for netas to connect with residents and their voter base ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Politicians like to take these occasions as this are the few occasions when the entire society or community comes together on a common platform,” said a political functionary.
