Amaravati, September 2026: Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday directed authorities to ensure that DJ vehicles used during Ganesh Nimmajanam are not seized and that permissions for the vehicles are processed without unnecessary hurdles.
Lokesh said he had been receiving messages from people claiming that police were not granting permission for DJ vehicles during Ganesh idol immersion processions.
In a post on X, the minister requested Home Minister V. Anitha and Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta to intervene and ensure that permissions were issued smoothly. He specifically said that not a single DJ vehicle should be seized during the immersion processions.
Responding to Lokesh’s post, Home Minister Anitha said she had issued necessary instructions to the police department to ensure that applications for DJ permissions during Ganesh Nimmajanam were processed according to prescribed guidelines.
“The celebrations should uphold the spirit of the occasion and should not deviate from the ethos of Hindu Dharma,” Anitha said in her post.
The government’s arrangements for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations also include free temporary electricity connections for authorised Ganesh pandals across Andhra Pradesh.
The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) issued orders on September 10 providing free electricity to authorised Ganesh pandals for nine days, from September 14 to September 22.
Under the order, temporary electricity supply of up to 3 KW in rural areas and 5 KW in urban areas will be provided under the LT Temporary Supply category.
The decision followed an announcement by the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government to provide free electricity to Ganesh pandals across the state.
APCPDCL directed Superintending Engineers of the respective Operation Circles to extend the free power supply to all authorised applicants and organisers of Ganesh pandals.
Officials were also instructed to obtain applications from eligible organisers in the prescribed format, consolidate the total amounts involved and submit the bill statements to the Chief General Manager (Finance), Corporate Office, APCPDCL, without delay.
The electricity orders were issued a day after Lokesh announced the government’s decision on social media.
“I am happy to announce that this Ganesh Chaturthi, all Ganesh pandals across Andhra Pradesh will be provided free electricity,” Lokesh had said.
He described the move as a major festive initiative by the TDP government aimed at supporting communities celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi across the state and facilitating the festivities.
The twin measures concerning DJ permissions and free electricity are part of the state government’s arrangements for Ganesh Chaturthi and immersion-related activities. Authorities have been directed to ensure that the celebrations are conducted in accordance with the applicable guidelines while facilitating arrangements for organisers and devotees.
