Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Watch Big Updates Of The Hour Only On ABP News

On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde celebrated the start of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival by welcoming Lord Ganesh at his official residence in South Mumbai. Shinde, accompanied by his wife and MP son Shrikant Shinde, performed a 'puja' at their residence, Varsha. In a press statement, Shinde prayed to Lord Ganesh, the deity of wisdom and prosperity, for the state's well-being. He noted that Maharashtra has experienced good rainfall this year, which he hopes will benefit the farmers. However, he acknowledged that excessive rainfall in some areas has led to crop losses and assured that the government will support the farmers. Shinde highlighted his government's initiatives for the welfare of women and farmers, and mentioned that Maharashtra leads the country in foreign direct investment (FDI), holding a 52 percent share. State Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan also performed 'aarti' for Lord Ganesh at his official residence, 'Jal Bhushan,' at Raj Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Lord Ganesh at his residence, 'Sagar,' while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray conducted a puja at his home, 'Shivtirth.' Fadnavis, addressing reporters, mentioned that the police are taking all necessary security measures for the festival and criticized the opposition, emphasizing the need for accurate historical representation. He also expressed his disapproval of any negative portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji, referencing historical inaccuracies regarding his raid in Surat. Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari celebrated by bringing Lord Ganesh to his residence in Nagpur. Additionally, prominent political figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal, visited notable Ganesh pandals across the state to offer their prayers.