“Ganesh idols is a sensitive issue and we cannot expect the mandals to follow our diktat. Uddhavji is right and we will try these restrictions next year,” she said.

Raul had tried to introduce an “eco-friendly” element into the popular festival after taking charge as Mayor in 2007. A few days back, she had said that immersion of idols in the sea causes pollution and should, therefore, be banned.

However, fearing backlash from the Maharashtrian population and even the mandals, majority of which are associated with the party, the Sena has been quick to distance itself from Raul’s contentions, calling them her personal views and not that of the party. Thackeray also said that instead of restricting the height of idols, the height of residential towers should be restricted.

“Whatever I said was in my individual capacity and I cannot impose my views on anyone. Although the common man is supporting me, we cannot expect mandals to follow the restrictions,” Raul said on Monday. “Uddhavji has said that next year he will speak to idol makers and explain the issue. Maybe people will listen to him more than they do to me,” she added.

Last year too, Raul had raised her voice against plaster of paris idols and talked about restricting the height of idols to 15 metres. But by the time she took up the issue, large plaster of paris idols were ready. She had then said she would take up the matter with idol makers before this year’s festival.

Raul, however, said it is her mission to ensure an “eco-friendly” Ganesh festival during her tenure. “It is something I believe in and will try hard to make people understand. But since it is a religious festival and involves people’s sentiments not much can be done now,” she said.

Vice-chairman of the BMC’s co-ordination committee on Ganeshotsav, Naresh Dahibaonkar, said they have been appealing for restriction on the height of idols. “But we cannot go against Ganesh mandals. We are not opposing Thackeray’s stand. Each mandal should understand its responsibility and act accordingly,” he said.