As Anna returns to state... Netas line up for Raja's blessing

31 August,2011 07:04 AM IST |   |  Varun Singh

Environment Ministry has arranged for all state ministers to be present at the first aarti at Lalbaugcha Mandal to 'promote an eco-friendly Ganpati'


Environment Ministry has arranged for all state ministers to be present at the first aarti at Lalbaugcha Mandal to 'promote an eco-friendly Ganpati'

The state's ministers are all set to try and ward away the evil of the numerous controversies plaguing the government by attending the first Ganesh aarti at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh mandal on Thursday.

A letter seeking an appropriate time to conduct an aarti to promote an eco-friendly Ganpati was sent to the Lalbaugcha Raja mandal by the environment ministry.

The chief minister, deputy chief minister and other state ministers will attend the first Lalbaugcha Raja aarti on Thursday at 1 pm. Experts claim that ministers couldn't have chosen a better time to seek the Lord's blessing as the images of the Congress and NCP have both been affected


It stated that ministers, including the chief minister and deputy chief minister, would be present on the occasion.

The mandal, in its reply, agreed to the request and allotted the ministry a time slot for the first aarti of the festival, which will be held at 1 pm on Thursday.

State Housing Minister Sachin Ahir, who also holds the environment portfolio, confirmed the news.

"Yes, a letter has been sent but we are waiting for the mandal to confirm the time. I go to the mandal every year to seek the Raja's blessings and this year will be no exception."

Rajendra Lanjwad, the treasurer of the mandal, said, "The letter was received by us and the ministers will be present for the afternoon aarti on the first day, which will start at 1 pm."

Experts say
Given that Anna Hazare is returning to Maharashtra soon after making the Central Government concede to a majority of his demands, the ministers couldn't have chosen a better time to seek the Lord's blessing, say political experts.

"Other than the Gandhian crusader's return, the government has to also seek blessings for Prithviraj Chavan who, despite having a clean image, has taken flak for his mode of functioning recently.
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The NCP is also in trouble with the strained relationship between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, coming to the fore.

The deputy CM has also rubbed the Fourth Estate the wrong way on more than once occasion of late," said a political expert.

500
Number of police officers to be deployed at Lalbaugcha Raja in two shifts to man the area

Rs 14 crore
The insurance cover for the Lalbaugcha Raja that increased from R5 crore last year
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Netas aarti Lalbaugcha Mandal eco-friendly Ganpati