Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis to skip Ashadhi Pooja after receiving threat from Maratha community

The Maratha society had allegedly threatened Fadnavis against participating in the Aashadhi prayers.

Representational Image: PTI/ File

New Delhi: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis will not be visiting the pilgrimage site of Pandharpur in Maharashtra for the religiously significant Aashadhi Pooja this year. As per reports, this decision was taken after receiving threats from Maratha Society. The Maratha society had allegedly threatened Fadnavis against participating in the Aashadhi prayers. The Maratha Samaj that has been protesting for reservation since long, had threatened that if their demands were not met then they would not let the CM worship lord Vitthal on the eleventh day of Aashadh month. Fadnavis said that he would not risk the lives of the lakhs of pilgrims participating in the worship, therefore, he would refrain from participating in the prayers. In a tradition carried on since years, every year on the Ashadhi Pooja occasion, Maharashtra’s CM offers prayers to Lord Vitthal from dusk till dawn. However, this year, Fadnavis on facing protests has said he will abstain from it.