Mumbai, 12th June 2023: Clashes erupted between the pilgrims or the ‘warkaris’, of the Dyaneshwar Maharaj, as the palanquin from Alandi to Pandharpur commenced for the annual ‘wari’ and the local police authorities.
Opposition parties stated that the police used lathi charges on the pilgrims and sought a high-level investigation. However, deputy chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the incident as trivial and remarked that no one should play politics in this situation.
The palanquin of Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj set out early on Sunday from Alandi, a tiny town in Pune. Thousands of devotees had arrived to see and take part in this solemn march.
Because there was a stampede last year that harmed numerous ladies, only 47 groups were chosen for darshan inside the temple this year, with a limit of 75 pilgrims per group.
Hundreds of pilgrims, however, gathered outside the temple, demanding admission. When the cops attempted to prevent some of them from entering, a fight erupted.
Opposition parties criticised the Shinde-Fadanvis government over the incident. Opposition leader Ajit Pawar, also condemned the state administration over the incident.
