Bengaluru: With just nine months to go for the BBMP elections in April 2015, ticket aspirants from various parties and local leaders who are trying to enter the BBMP council independently are using this year’s Ganesha festival, which will be celebrated across the country on Friday, as their political launch pad. In light of this it’s hardly surprising that this year is seeing the highest number of Ganesha pandals, with local leaders loosening their purse strings and providing liberal monetary support to the organisers.
An illustration of this is West Bengaluru, which is expecting a direct fight between BJP and Congress in the coming BBMP elections.
According to the locals and BBMP officials who are monitoring developments, this year every street will have its own Ganesha idol. ‘‘Last year there was one Ganesha Idol for three-four main roads/crossroads. But this year almost every road has a Ganesha. Locals are being encouraged to set up Ganesha idols with one condition. Posters should carry the name of those who have supported the cause financially,” explained an officer from BBMP who wished to remain unnamed.
‘‘We can get the exact number of idols only on Friday. But local leaders are definitely using the festival as their launch pad. Expenditure wise we can expect a huge spurt,’’ he said. Starting Friday, which is when the festival begins, elaborate security arrangements will be made to ensure peaceful celebrations across the city. BBMP has launched several initiatives to help immersions. Mobile water tankers will be deployed to enable the devotees to immerse their idols. According to Mr S. Harish, former deputy mayor who contested the last assembly election unsuccessfully from Mahalakshmipuram assembly constituency, such a trend is natural.
‘‘I noticed the larger number of pandals this year. It is one festival which brings everyone together and it may also help the leaders to win over the people's hearts,’’ he said.
According to another corporator, festivals help them reach the masses. ‘‘The number of Ganesha idols are increasing every year. The festival gives the young leaders a chance to display their organizing skills,” he explained.
