CM Fadnavis Criticises Sharad Pawar's Varkari Remarks, Calls Him 'Nidharmi'

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pushed back against Sharad Pawar's statements about the Varkari sampradaya. Fadnavis was blunt. Speaking to reporters on the ground, he firmly rejected Pawar's remarks. Someone who calls himself 'Nidharmi' (non-religious) has no business commenting on the deep devotion of the वारकरी community, he argued.

Pawar’s words quickly sparked anger. It is a matter of sheer faith, echoing with the विठ्ठलनामाचा गजर. Fadnavis reminded everyone of the incredible discipline shown by Varkaris. They walk the grueling Pandharpur Wari purely out of devotion for Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. This tradition is the very soul of Maharashtra. And politicians shouldn't drag it into their usual games.

"He has publicly claimed to be Nidharmi." Fadnavis delivered this sharp rebuke during a public address. He feels it is wrong for Pawar to judge the profound faith of the Varkari sampradaya. Meanwhile, the state government is fully backing the Wari. Officials expect to have all necessary facilities ready for the millions of devotees walking toward Pandharpur to meet their beloved माऊली.

Lakhs of Varkaris are on the roads right now. They travel on foot alongside the Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Usually, leaders across party lines bow their heads to this tradition. But things are different today. During this ongoing Ashadhi Wari period, Fadnavis's sharp critique has certainly caught the attention of the devotees.