Sharad Pawar Claims Regressive Elements in Varkari Sect, Chief Minister Refutes Remarks

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar recently claimed some regressive elements exist within the Varkari Sampradaya. He also publicly called himself 'Nidharmi'—or non-religious. Maharashtra's state leadership pushed back immediately.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde firmly refuted this. Pawar is wrong about the sect, Shinde said, defending the centuries-old tradition as one rooted deeply in equality and devotion. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis agreed. He criticized the remarks and noted that the long walk to Pandharpur unites millions of devotees from every background, entirely without discrimination.

This year, the state government has a clear pro-Varkari stance. There will be no VIP darshan during the Ashadhi Wari, Shinde announced recently. After all, the Varkaris are Maharashtra's real VIPs. And the administration backed this up. They introduced a new pilgrim pension scheme and even brought in drones to keep the massive crowds secure.

Lakhs of devotees are heading toward Pandharpur right now for Ashadhi Ekadashi. This political back-and-forth is happening right in the middle of it. Meanwhile, the government is busy. Officials are focused on rolling out enough health, sanitation, and transport options for the annual pilgrimage.