The incident took place on September 12 during the Ganesh festival and came in to light on 13 September. A video showed some local party activists dancing and showering money in front of the portrait of Dharmaveer Shri Dighe at Anand Ashram, from where the latter used to run the Thane unit of the Shiv Sena.

Not only money was blown in the Chief Minister’s city of Thane and Anandashram, the abode of his deity, mentor and strength Dharmaveer Shri Anand Dighe, but also in front of his Portrait and other religious figures to the sound of drums.

The clip later went viral on social media. CM Shinde and Thane Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske had expressed disapproval, calling the incident “highly unpleasant” and contrary to the respectful manner in which Dighe celebrated such occasions.

As per an order issued by Mr. Mhaske on Saturday (September 14, 2024) night, the two-party office-bearers have been dismissed in connection with the matter. Their posts were not specified in the order.

The CM’s party stressed on the need for appropriate conduct during celebrations. Dharmaveer Anand Dighe himself was against giving and taking notes or It’s misuse. At the same time, it is being said that doing such an act in an ashram named after him is an insult to the Shiv Sena Mentor.

Naresh Mhaske, MP from Thane, confirmed the dismissal of Nikhil Budjale from Tembhi Naka and NiteshPatole from Police Line, demanding that they explain their actions within two days.Mhaske described the event as “highly unpleasant” and contrary to the respectful way in which Dighe used to celebrate such occasions.Rajan Vichare, former MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, criticised CM EknathShinde, stating that two of his party workers committed a shameful act at AnandAshram, and that the CM should resign as a result of this regrettable incident. Vichare also alleged that Shinde has not been managing Anand Ashram properly.