Renowned artist Satish Garu has prepared the statues of CM Shinde and Uddhav as part of the decoration on the theme of `Satta Manthan’. (Express photo)Continuing with the tradition of making decorations based on political themes, social issues and historical events, a Ganesh mandal in the city has decided to depict the state’s biggest political event of the year: Eknath Shinde’s rebellion from Shiv Sena and subsequent chief ministership. Well-known artist Satish Taru has prepared the statues of chief minister Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray as part of the decoration on the theme of ‘Satta Manthan’ (political churning).
The Ganesh festival of Pune is well known across the country and holds prominence as it was started by freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. As part of the celebrations, Ganesh mandals across the city decorate the pandals on various themes based on historical events, cultural, social and political issues, and topics related to defence and science.
Garu said he received the order for the statues for Satta Manthan demonstration a month ago.
“They explained to me the theme of political churning that took place in the state during the whole Sena rebellion episode. It is being done on the lines of the mythological Samudra Manthan. In the short while, I have tried to achieve the best I can,” said Taru.
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This is not the first time that Pune artisans are making statues based on political themes. In the past, the city has seen seen statues of various prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendar Modi, being made as part of Ganesh festival celebrations, said Taru. “There is still demand of statue of Modi and they have been made. This time, there was demand for preparing decoration on current political situation in the state as well,” he added.
In the past, among Ganesh Mandals decorations on political themes were statues of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, several former Prime Ministers and state CM from different parties.
This year, a few Ganesh Mandals are also making replicas of various temples, including Vithal mandir of Pandharpur.