Shiv Sena (UBT) Calls for Statewide DJ Ban Following Assault on Pune Activist

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded a statewide ban on DJ systems during festivals in Maharashtra, citing significant health risks and noise pollution. Sanjay Raut, a lawmaker for the party, urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to implement the ban through a state cabinet decision rather than seeking a consensus through dialogue. The demand follows an incident in Pune where activist Vidyanand Bapat, who has campaigned against high decibel music, was assaulted. A Pune court has since granted one day of police custody for Santosh Shankar Chavan, who was arrested in connection with the assault.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has advocated for a ban on DJs and encouraged traditional festival celebrations, though he has emphasized the need for public consensus. In contrast, Raut argued that the Chief Minister should take firm action, comparing the situation to a previous decision regarding Marathi language requirements for auto taxi drivers. Raut also questioned why the government has not engaged in dialogue with Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on a hunger strike. While the state government has yet to take a formal stand, police in Nagpur have already banned loud music systems during festivals to combat noise pollution.