Minister Ashish Shelar Exercises Spending Restraint Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Appeal

Cultural Affairs Minister Cancels Cannes Visit in National Interest

Mumbai, May 2026: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to prioritise national interest at a time when the country is facing challenging circumstances, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs, Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar has decided not to attend this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France.

Minister Shelar said that during difficult times, the government has decided to exercise restraint in departmental expenditure while giving top priority to the nation’s interest. He added that greater emphasis will now be placed on conducting meetings through virtual platforms and ensuring limited use of resources.

He further stated that all necessary coordination and support related to Marathi films participating in the Cannes Film Festival would continue through the concerned agencies in a planned manner.

The minister also said that wherever required, he would participate online to support and promote Marathi cinema internationally.