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Politics
Sanjay Raut Urges Maharashtra Govt to Trim Kumbh Mela Spend, Fund Drought Relief
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 23 Sep 2026, 02:40 AM
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Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has urged the Maharashtra government to reduce unnecessary spending on Kumbh Mela preparations and redirect the saved funds towards drought relief efforts in the state.
Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena, made the appeal during a press briefing in Mumbai, highlighting concerns over alleged extravagant expenditure on arrangements for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
He argued that the state should scrutinise all expenses related to the religious gathering and eliminate any non‑essential costs that do not directly serve pilgrims.
The funds thus saved, according to Raut, could be reallocated to tackle the worsening drought situation affecting several districts of Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
Raut’s statement comes amid growing public demand for the government to prioritize water conservation and relief measures over large‑scale event spending.
No official response from the state government has been reported as of now.
He argued that the state should scrutinise all expenses related to the religious gathering and eliminate any non‑essential costs that do not directly serve pilgrims.
The funds thus saved, according to Raut, could be reallocated to tackle the worsening drought situation affecting several districts of Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
Raut’s statement comes amid growing public demand for the government to prioritize water conservation and relief measures over large‑scale event spending.
No official response from the state government has been reported as of now.