Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray issued a strong warning to the state government and made a direct appeal to Nashik's citizens on Saturday, opposing the proposed removal of trees at Tapovan for the Sadhugram development project. The project is planned ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
A Direct Appeal to Voters and a Warning to the Government
Addressing the public at Tapovan in Nashik, Thackeray urged people to withhold their support from any politician who backs the cutting of trees for the project. He labeled the tree felling an "assault on the city's green cover" and stated his party's firm opposition. "We strongly oppose the felling of trees at Tapovan. I appeal to citizens not to vote for those who support this destruction of green cover," the former minister declared.
Thackeray directed a specific request to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking him to officially declare the Tapovan area a reserved and deemed forest to guarantee its long-term protection. To cement their stance within the party, Thackeray announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) would require all its election candidates to submit affidavits pledging to oppose any further tree cutting in the zone.
Clarifying Stance on Development and Issuing an Ultimatum
The young leader clarified that his party's objection was not to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela itself or to the proposed MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub. However, he insisted that such development must not proceed at the expense of the environment. "A MICE hub can be built anywhere, but not by cutting down trees," he asserted.
Thackeray set a clear ultimatum, warning that if the authorities continue to cut trees despite objections from citizens and environmental groups, Shiv Sena (UBT) will launch widespread street protests. He also criticized another state government proposal to build a ropeway at Anjaneri near Trimbakeshwar, cautioning that this project too would meet with significant resistance if implemented.
Symbolic Action and Political Mobilization
Earlier on Saturday, Thackeray demonstrated his commitment by engaging with environmental activists at the Tapovan site. In a symbolic act, he planted a banyan sapling over five feet tall, reinforcing his message of conservation.
Later, while addressing party workers in Vihitgaon on Nashik's outskirts in preparation for the January 15 civic polls, Thackeray shifted focus to political strategy. He instructed his team to intensify their outreach and connect directly with voters. He also launched a political attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of failing to fulfill development promises made to Nashik. Thackeray reminded the audience that Fadnavis had pledged to "adopt" the city if his party won the 2017 civic elections, implying that those promises remained unkept.
