KALYAN: With Ganeshotsav approaching, the Shiv Sena has announced that around 1,000 buses will be operated free of cost from the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency to Konkan, Kolhapur, Satara and other parts of western Maharashtra to facilitate the annual homeward journey of workers and devotees.The ticket distribution for the special bus service was launched by Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde in Kalyan (East) on Sunday.Every year, thousands of people from Kalyan, Dombivli and adjoining areas travel to their native villages, particularly in Konkan, to celebrate Ganeshotsav with their families.The initiative aims to provide relief to commuters during the festive rush, when trains and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses witness heavy overcrowding.The free bus service and ticket distribution have been planned as an annual initiative of the Shiv Sena, with organisers saying the response from citizens has been encouraging.“People should be able to celebrate Ganeshotsav with their families without worrying about additional travel expenses and overcrowding. This initiative has been undertaken to ensure a convenient and hassle-free journey for devotees,” said Shinde.MLA Rajesh More, district chief Gopal Landge, former MP Anand Paranjpe, deputy district chief Rajesh Kadam, corporators Nilesh Shinde and Mahesh Gaikwad and other local functionaries were present during the ticket distribution programme.During the programme, several office-bearers and workers from the BJP, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and other political parties joined the Shiv Sena in the presence of Shinde, expressing confidence in the leadership of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and the party’s development work in Kalyan Loksabha.The event also witnessed an interaction between Shinde and children from the Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha generations, who met the MP and clicked selfies with him. Some children demanded a study centre and library in their locality to help them prepare for competitive examinations.Responding to their request, Shinde said he was happy to see young students taking their studies seriously and assured them that facilities such as a library and study centre would be provided through the Shiv Sena.He also appealed to local corporators and public representatives to focus on facilities beyond conventional civic infrastructure such as roads, drains and water supply.“Road concretisation has taken place, Metro work is underway and flyover projects are progressing. Now, every corporator should look for small plots in their ward where facilities related to education and sports can be developed. People should be provided with facilities beyond roads, drains and water meters. The required funds will be provided by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde,” he said.Shinde added that thousands of crores of rupees had already been brought for development works in the Loksabha.When asked about the recent remarks made by Maratha reservation leader Manoj Jarange Patil, Shinde avoided making a direct comment. He said Eknath Shinde had already responded appropriately to Jarange’s statements and that the sentiments of all concerned were the same.Meanwhile, at another programme held in Dombivli, Shinde felicitated 100 social organisations and 71 schools that contributed to the record-setting Tiranga rally organised on August 15 this year.The rally, featuring a massive 35,000-square-foot national flag, received official recognition from World Records India, Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. Despite heavy rain, thousands of students, teachers, parents and citizens participated in the rally.Shinde said the achievement represented not just a record but also Dombivli residents’ patriotism, social unity and collective strength.
