Mumbai: BJP leader Ameet Satam on Saturday, September 12, said people from the Konkan region living in Mumbai, including Konkani and Malvani communities, support Hindutva.
Satam was speaking at a programme to flag off a train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Sawantwadi in Maharashtra’s Konkan region for Ganpati devotees, during which he thanked party colleague and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha for arranging the service.
“Malvanis and Konkanis are Hindutva supporters and, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and under the guidance of Devendra Fadnavis ji, Malvanis and Konkanis of Mumbai are seen participating in the journey of development,” Satam said.
Satam said support extended by Malvanis to the BJP in the Mumbai civic polls had helped the party secure the mayoral post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation after 43 years.
He said Ritu Tawde, who hails from Sindhudurg district, had assumed the post of mayor as a “return gift” to the people of Konkan.
Speaking to reporters, Lodha said those in public life have a responsibility to ensure people’s convenience, especially during major festivals.
“Ganpati is the biggest festival for the people of Konkan. Everyone goes there with their family and community. Those who do not get reservations on regular trains should not be left behind,” Lodha said.
Buses were also being operated to facilitate travel, he added. “Whatever we have to do, we should do it. It is our responsibility,” Lodha said.
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