Maharashtra government asks Centre for additional forces during Ganeshotsav

NAGPUR: Maharashtra government has sought 20 companies of Central Para-Military Force to ensure better law and order situation during the Ganesh festival in the state commencing from tomorrow, Home Minister R R Patil said.

Appreciating the gesture of Shiv Sena and MNS to stay stay away from the proposed Bharat Bandh on Sep 20 in Mumbai as many devotees immerse Ganesh idols on the second day of the 10-day festival, Patil yesterday urged the BJP to follow the alliance partners in not joining the protest.

Earlier, Patil presented Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar award, instituted by a local NGO, to noted Marathi thinker and litterateur Dr Yeshwant Manohar at a function held here last evening.

Maharashtra Ministers Anil Deshmukh (Food and Civil Supplies), Dr Nitin Raut (EGS), Wardha MP Datta Meghe and BJP MP Ajay Sancheti were also present on the occasion.