My statement was about increasing crime and not about Sai-devotees : Dr Sujay Vikhe Patil

Issue of former MP Dr Sujay Vikhe-Patil’s statement about free meals at Shirdi shrine attracting beggars

Shirdi – There was nothing wrong with the statement made by me about people having free meals at ‘Prasadalay’ in Shirdi. The statement was, however, distorted. We see Saibaba among all devotees going to Shirdi. I have no bad feelings about Sai-devotees. I was talking about those people who come from outside, have free meals and are involved in crimes. Owing to such criminals, if a girl in Shirdi becomes a victim of some kind of exploitation, who will own the responsibility ? I have expressed my opinion as the guardian of Shirdi. Every day at 8.00 a.m., beggars are brought here in vehicles; they have meals and later, in the evening, they consume liquor and come back for evening ‘Prasad’. How can we tolerate it ? My statement was, therefore, not about Sai-devotees but was about increasing crime rate in Shirdi, clarified BJP’s former MP Dr Sujay Vikhe-Patil while addressing a programme in Shirdi.

My statement is not regarding Sai devotees but about the increased crime here! – Dr. Sujay Vikhe-Patil

The controversy surrounding statement on free meal

Dr. Sujay Vikhe had no intention of disrespecting Sai devotees! – Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of Social Justice https://t.co/EiDSfr52gq pic.twitter.com/bRZ1vg7FlI

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 7, 2025

Dr Vikhe-Patil further stated, “I have requested the Devasthan to accept donations collectively instead of collecting separately for ‘Anna-dan’, so that the money would be properly utilised. The standard of education in Shirdi should improve. The local youth should get employment. In the coming three months, I am going to work on eradicating crimes in Shirdi. It is my dream to make Shirdi a good place.”

Dr Sujay Vikhe had no intention to insult Sai-devotees – Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of Social Justice

I tried to understand the meaning of Dr Vikhe-Patil’s statement on beggar-free Sai shrine and discontinuation of free meal service when I visited Shirdi. I didn’t know the facts; therefore, I opposed his statement. His intention was to stop people coming to Shirdi by buses and trucks in inebriated condition. He didn’t want to insult Sai-devotees. Shirdi Devasthan has a ‘Prasadalay’ and it will continue to function that way and free meals will be provided,” stated the State Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat while talking to reporters.