The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an ally in Maharashtra's Mahayuti government, on Monday condemned Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi over his controversial remarks about the ‘wari’, the annual foot pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Vitthal to the temple town of Pandharpur.
In a statement issued to the media, NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjpe blamed Azmi for sowing communal unrest with his inflammatory remarks and called for strong action against him.
"Abu Azmi has turned into a poison in Maharashtra, continuously making inflammatory remarks to shatter communal harmony. The government needs to take strong action against him," Paranjpe stated.
Azmi, while addressing the public recently, stated that Muslims never objected to the 'wari' but continue to raise objections if their leaders do so, like the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, when he protested Muslims offering namaz on streets.
He has been facing severe political backlash across party lines because of his remarks.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Azmi, accusing him of making provocative statements for publicity. “These comments are nothing but attempts to gain attention by fuelling communal tension,” he said.
Paranjpe also highlighted the strong religious and cultural importance of the 'wari', labelling it a tradition more than 800 years old.
"The Ashadi Wari is an age-old tradition, a symbol of devotion, harmony and cultural pride. Muslims also join in by volunteering their services and taking part in the procession," he said.
The 'wari' draws lakhs of 'warkaris' from various parts of Maharashtra to Pandharpur, carrying the palkhis of two great saints, Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram.
Nitesh Rane, State Ports Minister and BJP leader, also lashed out at Azmi and said that Hindu traditions and festivals should not be offended. "These people target Mahakumbh and the 'wari', but these don't take place throughout the year. Should we start raising questions about the Hajj pilgrimage?" Rane asked.
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