Raj Thackeray calls off annual Dipotsav at Mumbai's Shivaji Park over severe drought in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said his party will not hold its annual Diwali celebration, Dipotsav, at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year due to the severe drought in the state.

In a video message, Thackeray also appealed to people in Maharashtra to celebrate Diwali mindfully, news agency PTI reported.

He said it would not be prudent to celebrate festivals extravagantly when rural Maharashtra is reeling under a severe drought, farmers are facing financial pressure and thousands are migrating to cities as a result.

The Maharashtra government has declared 85% of the state drought-hit following deficient rainfall this year and announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 to farmers before Diwali.

Thackeray said the Dipotsav would be organised next year if the situation hopefully improves.