Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday sharply criticised the state government’s decision to cut down 1,800 trees in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik, alleging that the move is unnecessary and driven by vested interests rather than public need.

In a detailed statement posted on X, Thackeray said Nashik has successfully hosted the Kumbh Mela in the past without resorting to large-scale deforestation. He recalled that during the period when the MNS controlled the Nashik Municipal Corporation, significant infrastructure was created for the religious event through effective coordination between corporators and the civic administration.