Fadnavis cancels visit to Pandharpur temple over proposed Maratha community stir

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said he has cancelled his visit to a temple in Pandharpur town for a key religious event tomorrow in view of the proposed protest seeking reservation for Maratha community in government jobs.

Explaining the reason for calling off his visit, Fadnavis said he feared for the lives of nearly 10 lakh people expected to be at the temple town in Solapur district tomorrow on the occasion of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi'. He said if throwing stones at him can get the reservation for Maratha community, he was ready for it and that he took the decision of not to offer prayers at the temple to avoid any law and order problem.

As part of a long-standing tradition, the chief minister every year offers prayers at the temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini in Pandharpur, located around 400 km from here, on the occasion of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi'.

The auspicious day of performing puja is decided as per the lunar calendar and this year it falls on July 23. Some Maratha community leaders have threatened to disrupt the religious event if their demands, including reservation in government jobs and education, are not accepted by the government.

Fadnavis said such things were very disappointing.

“Police have intercepted some messages, like ‘will release snakes among devotees', ‘could create a situation that would lead to stampede', among others. Such kind of plans are being worked out and it is highly disappointing,” he told reporters here.

A pro-quota leader of the community had announced a couple of days ago in Pandharpur that if Fadnavis visits the temple town on July 23, “they will hold a massive protest there and disrupt the puja”.

Fadnavis said such a move was a shame for a “progressive” state like Maharashtra.

“The puja is beyond any politics. But some 10 lakh people are there. Efforts are being made by some organisations and people that could create a life-threatening situation in Pandharpur,” the chief minister said. The chief minister said only the court can take a decision on the issue of grant of reservation to the Maratha community. “Some (pro-reservation) organisations are aware of it; still they are instigating the community. If throwing stones at me can get the reservation for Maratha community, then I am ready for it,” he said.

“Nobody can stop me from performing the puja. I have Z-plus level police protection. I can do it under police protection but then I fear that lives of devotees could be in danger and hence I have cancelled my visit,” he said.

The chief minister said for the last three years he was performing the puja at the Pandharpur temple, as per the tradition.