Pune: Diljit Dosanjh’s Concert Held in Kothrud Despite Opposition from MLA Chandrakant Patil

Kothrud, 25th November 2024: Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated music concert at Kakade Farm in Kothrud went ahead on Sunday despite strong opposition from political leaders, including Kothrud MLA Chandrakant Patil. The program, which drew over 50,000 attendees, sparked debates over administrative oversight and public impact.

Chandrakant Patil had instructed the Police Commissioner, Excise Department, and District Collector to cancel the event, citing concerns over traffic congestion, noise pollution, and societal impact. However, despite his firm stance and repeated instructions, the concert proceeded “smoothly,” raising questions about the enforcement of his directives.

Opposition and Public Concerns
Local citizens, along with various political parties and social organizations, had expressed opposition to the concert. Groups such as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Patit Pavan Sanghatana and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) voiced concerns over the event’s potential for public inconvenience and agitation.

Patil had declared that if the concert took place, a major march led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be organized in protest. However, the event occurred as planned, leaving many Kothrud residents questioning the administrative “power” that allowed it to happen despite Patil’s explicit instructions.

Traffic Chaos and Citizen Complaints
The concert led to massive traffic jams in Kothrud, disrupting daily life for local residents. Citizens expressed frustration over the lack of administrative action to mitigate the chaos. “Despite the clear orders from the MLA, the event went ahead, causing inconvenience to the public. Who is responsible for this negligence?”
questioned one resident.

Statement by Chandrakant Patil

In a statement, Chandrakant Patil reiterated his opposition to the event. “As a local MLA and a citizen, I strongly opposed Diljit Dosanjh’s music concert at Kakade Farm. Such programs not only cause traffic and noise disturbances but also negatively impact society. I instructed the Police Commissioner, Excise Department, and District Collector to cancel the event. If held, I was prepared to lead a protest march myself,” Patil stated.

Liquor License Cancelled
In a related development, the State Excise Department canceled the liquor consumption license for the event. An official from the Pune Excise Department, confirmed the cancellation, citing compliance with regulations.

Questions Over Administrative Action
The concert’s successful execution has left many questioning the effectiveness of administrative enforcement and the apparent disregard for the instructions of a senior leader. As public discontent grows, the incident underscores the need for clarity and accountability in managing such high-profile events.

This episode has sparked a broader discussion on balancing cultural events with civic responsibilities, ensuring that large gatherings do not come at the cost of public convenience and adherence to laws.