BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute Takes Strong Stand Against the Sale of Chemically Adulterated Bhandara in Jejuri!

Demands That the Food and Drug Administration Declare Bhandara as Pure Turmeric

Pune – An incident has come to light recently, in which bhandara suddenly caught fire at Jejuri temple complex. Citing this incident, BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute has pointed out the chemical adulteration in bhandara. It has come to light that chemical adulterated bhandara is being sold in large quantities at various major temples in the State, including Jejuri. Considering that this crisis is posing a challenge to the safety of the devotees, MLA Pachpute met Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and submitted a memorandum.

The MLA demanded “declare that bhandara means pure turmeric”. The Commissioner responded positively and assured the MLA that the definition of ‘bhandara as turmeric’ would be incorporated into the legal framework in the coming days. It is likely that an official circular will be issued in this regard soon by the Food and Drug Administration.

Points put forth by MLA Pachpute!

1. In recent times, there is a large-scale adulteration of bhandara. This directly harms innocent devotees and adversely impacts our religious faith.

2. We all share the view that only pure turmeric was sold as bhandara in the past, and that only turmeric should continue to be sold as bhandara in the future. Therefore, it is essential that the law clearly states that ‘bhandara means turmeric’ at the earliest.

Misuse due to  failure to mention in the law that  bhandara unequivocally means ‘turmeric’!

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration does not have any concrete or legal definition of what exactly ‘bhandara’ is. Certain people are taking advantage of the fact that this is not mentioned anywhere in the law. Traders are openly selling bhandara mixed with chemical colours and flammable substances in temple premises. Overall, the administration is facing technical difficulties while taking strict legal action against adulterators and those selling adulterated bhandara.

Editorial Perspective

Why should such a demand even be necessary? Moreover, instead of waking up after an accident occurs, the Food and Drug Administration should conduct regular and random inspections of bhandara and Mahaprasad at all major temple premises in the State like Jejuri, Tuljapur, Kolhapur etc.