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Opposition Condemns Macron Welcome Banners in Mumbai, Citing Protocol Breach

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders cite the defacement law to label the displays political propaganda.

Overview

  • French President Emmanuel Macron is on a February 16–19 India visit that includes Mumbai and Delhi with a review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Sanjay Raut said welcoming a foreign head of state is a government function, not a platform for BJP or the Shinde faction to plaster partisan posters across the city.
  • Aaditya Thackeray criticised the hoardings as “shabby,” questioned their necessity, and faulted preparations extending to the coastal road.
  • Akhil Chitre urged enforcement of the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995 against ministers he alleges put up illegal banners, accusing authorities of selective application.
  • Municipal crews carried out overnight road repairs, repainting and beautification on expected convoy routes, with social‑media videos showing freshly painted stretches in South Mumbai.