Urban Naxals have infiltrated holy Ashadhi wari pilgrimage in Maharashtra: MLC Kayande

Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra MLC Manisha Kayande on Wednesday claimed "urban Naxals" have infiltrated the holy Ashadhi wari annual pilgrimage to the temple town of Pandharpur and are attempting to mislead 'warkaris' (devotees of Lord Vitthal).

Raising the issue in the Legislative Council, Kayande, a nominated member of the Upper House, urged the Mahayuti government to take immediate action to preserve the sanctity of the wari.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, said the government has taken cognisance of the matter raised by the MLC and appropriate directions will be issued to the home department for an inquiry.

"Atheist individuals who do not believe in God have entered the wari. This is a very serious matter. Under the guise of organizations like Samvidhan Dindi, Paryavaran Wari, and Lokayat, these urban Naxals are performing street plays, delivering speeches, and attempting to influence the thoughts of devotees," Kayande claimed.

Lakhs of devotees march during the 250-km-long-pilgrimage from Dehu and Alandi (Pune district) to Pandharpur and it culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi (which falls on July 6 this year) with a puja of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini.

The MLC said in the past, there were incidents where pieces of meat were thrown during the wari. Prominent Warkari sect leader Bandatatya Karadkar had objected to such acts.

"This is a grave matter. Ashadhi Ekadashi is just two days away, and the government must act swiftly," Kayande demanded in the House.

She said the BJP-led government is set to introduce the Maharashtra Public Security Bill, which is specifically aimed at curbing such disruptive elements. PTI PR RSY