CM Fadnavis Promises Talks Amid Growing Demand to Bring Back Elephant Mahadevi from Vantara
Kolhapur, 4th August 2025: In a powerful display of devotion and determination, thousands of people walked nearly 45 kilometres from Nandani in Shirol tehsil to the Kolhapur district collector’s office on Sunday, demanding the return of elephant Mahadevi from Gujarat’s Vantara facility to the Jain math in Nandani. The march culminated in the submission of a memorandum addressed to President Droupadi Murmu.
The protest, which saw participants carrying life-sized cardboard cutouts of the elephant, was organised by followers of the Jain math who have been campaigning for Mahadevi’s return since she was relocated to Jamnagar under orders from the Supreme Court.
Speaking to reporters about the growing concern, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that discussions would be initiated to explore a resolution. “Devotees are emotionally attached to the elephant and want her to remain close to the math. I’ve been in touch with local MPs and MLAs and have decided to convene a meeting on Tuesday to discuss this matter. We will look into legal avenues, although the state government was not involved in the original decision, which was mandated by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Raju Shetti, a prominent farmers’ leader who participated in the protest, alleged that misleading reports from certain government departments had resulted in Mahadevi’s transfer. “We believe officials misrepresented facts, which led to her relocation. Until Mahadevi is brought back to Nandani, our protest will not stop,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Vantara facility in Jamnagar, which currently houses the elephant, released a public statement on Saturday via social media. According to the statement, conversations are ongoing with the leadership of the Jain math to find a mutually acceptable path forward.
“We are working closely with the math’s spiritual leadership and seeking guidance from legal and veterinary experts to determine the best course of action for Mahadevi’s future. Our priority is her health and well-being, alongside the sentiments of the local community,” the statement read.
The elephant, also referred to as Madhuri at the sanctuary, was moved to the Gujarat-based rescue centre following concerns about her care conditions. However, her devotees believe she was thriving at the Nandani math and want her returned to her spiritual home.
The issue has now taken on wider social and political dimensions, with public sentiment driving the state government to re-engage in discussions.
