Kalyan-Dombivli Moves to Curb Political Arches During Festivals

Kalyan | August 31, 2026 — Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde has instructed Shiv Sena office-bearers and workers not to erect political arches, banners or hoardings on roads during festivals, saying the structures can worsen traffic congestion in the constituency. He also said police had been asked to take action if such installations were put up by members of his party.

Shinde made the remarks at a programme organised by various social organisations in Dombivli on Sunday, according to a report by Loksatta. He said public roads should remain available for residents’ movement during the festival period and that Shiv Sena workers had been specifically told not to install political arches anywhere.

The direction covers the Kalyan-Dombivli, Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, Kalwa and Mumbra areas, where the movement of residents increases during festivals. Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Dahi Handi celebrations bring larger crowds to markets, major roads and public spaces, placing additional pressure on existing traffic routes, the report said.

Large arches positioned along the roadside or in the middle of roads reduce the space available for vehicles and pedestrians. When such structures are installed during periods of high footfall, they can add to congestion and obstruct the movement of ordinary commuters, according to the account of the decision.

The issue also involves the use of public road space for political publicity. During festival periods, political groups often compete to put up large arches, banners and greeting boards carrying leaders’ names and images. Shinde said this practice could inconvenience residents while providing only temporary political publicity.

The MP said he had told police to take action if any Shiv Sena worker installed such an arch. He added that he could not speak for other political parties, leaving the scope of enforcement against installations by rival groups unclear from the statement reported by Loksatta.

The reported instructions do not specify a new municipal rule, the locations where police action will be undertaken, the penalties that may apply or whether permissions already issued for festival structures will be reviewed. The report also does not state whether local municipal authorities have issued a separate order covering banners, hoardings and arches.

For residents, the immediate question will be how the direction is implemented on roads near markets, celebration venues and other crowded public spaces. Police and civic authorities would need to identify unauthorised structures and ensure that any enforcement is applied consistently during the festival period.

The reported instruction takes effect as the constituency prepares for the festival season. Further details on enforcement arrangements, permissions and action against violations were not provided in the report.