Shiv Sena condemned the remarks of MLC Manisha Kayande, which postponed the presence of the “Urban Naxals” file. Photo: x/@Manisha Kayande
The opposition leaders held by copies of the Constitution on Thursday (July 3, 2025) organized a protest against the steps of Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and condemned Shiv MLC Manisha Kayande’s remarks that claimed the presence of “Urban Naxals” in Pandharpur.
Leaders across the opposition spectrum-including opposition leader in the legislative Council Ambadas Danve (Shiv Sena-Obt), Congress Party Vijay Wadettiwar and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad-Obvinil Mahayuti that attempted to memory old religious tradition and demanded all and all. The government of All, the government of the government concerning all thaliance.
“It is not only an attack on Wari, but on the Maharashtrain of a cultural identity. The government must immediately withdraw these notes and apologize to the Warcari community,” Danve said during the protest.
Ashadhi Wari is a worshiped annual pilgrimage during which devoted – known as Warkaris – goes to Pandharpur to offer prayers to Lord Vitthal. Mrs. Kayande, a nominated member of the upper house, said on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) in the Legislative Council that the city Naxals infiltrated Wari and tried to mislead the devotees.
“Atheistic individuals who do not believe in God have entered Wari. It is a serious matter. Under the guise of groups such as Samvidhan Dindi, Paryavaran Wari and Lokayat, they represent street games, lectures manifestations and affect Warcaris,” Mrs. Kayande. She also quoted past cases where pieces of meat were allegedly thrown during the procession.
She called on the government of Mahayuti to act quickly to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage, and stated that the proposed Maharashtra Public Security Act would help reduce such disturbing elements. “During last year’s Lok Sabha elections, these same elements spread a false story about the constitutional change,” added Mrs. Kayande.
Deputy Chief Minister Ekath Shinde, who leads the fraction of Shiv Sena, who nominated Mrs. Kayande, said the house had taken the matter and ordered the domestic department to investigate the demands.
Foreign Minister for Yogesh Kadam’s Home also said that his office received complaints about the attempts of alleged “urban Naxal” to disrupt social harmony and assured the house that it would take the matter seriously.
The opposition, however, rejected these notes as unfounded and politically motivated. They argued that the comments were part of an intentional attempt to politicize a spiritual event and discredit the Warcari peace movement.
“This is an attempt to jam under the guise of security concerns. The government must stop targeting religious rallies with ideological labels,” Awhad said.
Published – 3 July 2025 23:38
