The Opposition in Maharashtra criticised the ruling alliance on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) for blanketing Mumbai with hoardings to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron, alleging that the display represents an inappropriate politicisation of a state visit. Objections have been raised by leaders from opposition parties regarding posters put up by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. “The reception of a visiting dignitary is a matter of state protocol, not a platform for political parties to showcase themselves. By putting up these posters, they are projecting Mr. Macron as though he were a leader of their own party or the country’s President,” senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated. The Opposition has called upon the authorities to ensure that established diplomatic courtesies are upheld throughout the French President’s visit.

Source: The Hindu February 18, 2026 00:49 UTC