Hindu Janajagruti Samiti demands strict action from the Chief Minister through a memorandum over Sharad Pawar’s remarks on ‘Vaikunthagaman’ !

Accuses him of insulting the history of saints and the identity of the Warkari tradition !

Sharad Pawar

Mumbai, 4 July (News) – Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded strict legal action from the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, over the controversial statement made by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar at a programme organised on the occasion of the 375th Vaikunthagaman ceremony of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The memorandum alleges that the statement hurt the sentiments of Hindus and the Warkari community during the sacred period of the Ashadhi Wari.

At a special programme held in Akurdi, Pune, Sharad Pawar had said, “In today’s times, I do not agree with the concept of Vaikunthagaman. A particular section propagated such ideas to conceal its own actions and made people believe them to be true.” Hindu Janajagruti Samiti strongly objected to these remarks.

The memorandum further states:

1. The bodily Vaikunthagaman of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj is not merely an emotional belief but forms the sacred core of the Warkari tradition and saint literature. It has been described in the abhangas of Sant Bahinabai and Sant Nilobaraya, as well as in the authoritative works Bhaktavijay and Bhaktalilamrut by Mahipati Buwa.

2. In an attempt to portray themselves as progressive and rationalist, some people, driven by political motives, distort the history of saints and insult the identity of the Warkari tradition.

3. Sharad Pawar had earlier also objected to the Warkari tradition, attempted to portray Warkaris as religious fanatics, and gave tacit approval to those who made objectionable remarks against Hindu Deities.

4. Warkari organisations and intellectuals have expressed strong resentment, stating that no one has been given the right to repeatedly trample upon the faith of Hindu Dharma and the Warkari tradition.

5. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded that Sharad Pawar immediately withdraw his controversial remarks on Vaikunthagaman and publicly apologise to the entire Warkari tradition, devotees of Deity Vitthal, and Hindus.

6. The memorandum has also urged the Chief Minister and Home Minister to take serious note of the attempt to disturb social harmony in Maharashtra and deliberately create ideological divisions in society, and to order an appropriate legal investigation and stringent action.