The twin towns of Sangli and Miraj remain under curfew as authorities work hard to defuse tension between two communities during Ganesh visarjan celebrations. Nearly 130 Ganesh mandals have so far refused to immerse their idols.

A Ganesh idol heads for immersion in Miraj under police protection.

Late last week, two communities clashed in this area over a Shiv Sena banner depicting Shivaji. Miraj and Sangli have been under curfew since Sunday. The majority of Ganesh mandals have refused to immerse their idols.

Elections in Maharashtra are 5 weeks away, and political parties have found an opportunity in this conflict.

Neelam Gorhe, a local Shiv Sena leader, says "The idols will not be immersed till we do the visarjan of this government."

As the Sena raised the rhetoric in Sangli, the BJP's Gopinath Munde attempted to fly to the region, only to be stopped at Mumbai airport on the grounds that his visit would create more trouble. His agitating supporters were lathicharged.

About 1200 additional policemen have been called in, and over 200 people from both communities have been arrested in the affected area.