Nara Lokesh Urges Police to Allow DJ Vehicles for Ganesh Immersion

Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh has urged the police department to facilitate permissions for DJ vehicles during Ganesh immersion processions, saying devotees and organisers should not face unnecessary difficulties during the festivities.

Lokesh said he had received several messages from organisers complaining that police were not granting permissions for DJ vehicles planned for the immersion processions. He appealed to Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and the Director General of Police to intervene and streamline the permission process.

The minister asked the police to coordinate with organisers and ensure that the immersion celebrations pass off smoothly. He also urged the department to ensure that no DJ vehicle is seized during the Ganesh immersion, while following the applicable rules and maintaining public safety.

The appeal came against the backdrop of the state government extending various facilities to Ganesh mandaps, including free electricity. Lokesh said similar coordination was needed during the immersion processions so that devotees could celebrate without avoidable disruptions.

Anitha responded to Lokesh’s request and directed the police to act strictly in accordance with the existing rules and regulations. She stressed that decisions during the Ganesh festivities should balance religious traditions with public safety.

The Home Minister also instructed officials to ensure compliance with noise pollution limits, particularly around hospitals and areas where children and senior citizens could be affected. She directed the police to take necessary measures to maintain public order and ensure that immersion programmes are conducted peacefully.

The issue also triggered a mixed response on social media. While some users welcomed Lokesh’s intervention in support of Ganesh festival organisers, others questioned whether the Education Minister’s intervention in a matter concerning police permissions amounted to an issue of administrative protocol.