Pune: Dispute Erupts Between Warkaris and Police as Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s Palkhi Begins Journey; Supriya Sule Condemns Lathicharge
Alandi, 11th June 2023: Tensions arose today in Alandi as the revered Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s Palkhi procession was about to commence. A decision made by the temple administration to limit entry to only 75 led to a clash between Warkaris (pilgrims) and Pimpri Chinchwad Police. MP Supriya Sule strongly criticized the police, alleging a lathi charge on the Warkaris and calling for immediate action against the culprits.
“This year, unprecedented incidents have occurred. Such incidents never took place before in the centuries-old tradition. Warkaris have time and again demonstrated their simplicity and peaceful teachings to the country. This incident is highly deplorable. It is crucial to investigate and promptly take action against those responsible,” expressed Member of Parliament Supriya Sule.
वारकऱ्यांवर लाठीमार करणाऱ्या सरकारचा निषेध असो.!
जे आजवर कधीही घडले नाही ते यावर्षी घडले. वारीची शेकडो वर्षांची परंपरा आहे. यापुर्वी कधीही वारकऱ्यांवर बळाचा वापर केल्याची घटना घडली नव्हती. आपल्या साध्या आणि सोप्या शिकवणूकीतून वारकऱ्यांनी देशाला वेळोवेळी दिशा दाखविली आहे.… https://t.co/SdcdCJWLYL— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) June 11, 2023
The altercation between the police and the Warkaris took place outside the temple of Dnyaneshwar Mauli. The temple administration’s decision to restrict the number of Warkaris and implement various measures, such as controlling the number of Khandekaris and limiting access to the temple, has been a source of tension recently.
Despite the tensions, Mauli’s Palkhi procession is set to depart for Pandharpur later this evening, while Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi procession has already begun from Dehu yesterday.
Palkhi procession Chief Adv. Vikas Dhage explained, “In order to ensure a smooth journey, the number of Warkaris in Dindi has been limited to 75. We have also restricted access to social media journalists. Only invited pass holders will be granted entry, and darshan (worship) will be temporarily closed during the afternoon offering.”
