Memorandum submitted to Maharashtra CM over insult to Warkari tradition and Saints
Mumbai – Through a memorandum submitted to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded strict legal action against the controversial statement made by Sharad Pawar, President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction). The statement was delivered during a programme organised to mark the 375th Vaikunthgaman anniversary of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
📜 @HinduJagrutiOrg demands strict action from CM Devendra Fadnavis 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 ! https://t.co/3nG6ACw1E9 pic.twitter.com/w0aCpBlWTq
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 5, 2026
The memorandum accuses Sharad Pawar of hurting the sentiments of the Hindu and Warkari communities during the holy period of Ashadhi Wari. In a special event held at Akurdi in Pune, Sharad Pawar had stated, “In today’s times, I do not accept statements like Vaikunthgaman etc. A particular class imposed these things to hide their actions and made them appear as truth.” The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has raised strong objection to these remarks.
It is further stated in the memorandum that:
- The bodily Vaikunthgaman of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj is not merely an emotional belief, but this event is the sacred core of the Warkari tradition and Saint literature. It has been described in detail in the abhangs of Sant Bahinabai and Sant Nilobaraya, as well as in authentic scriptures like Mahipati Buva’s ‘Bhaktavijay’ and ‘Bhaktalilamrut’.
- In the rush to project themselves as progressive and rational, certain elements are distorting the history of Saints and the Warkari identity for political motives.
- Earlier too, Sharad Pawar had objected to the Warkaris by attempting to label them as religious fanatics and had extended tacit support to those making objectionable statements about Hindu Deities.
- Warkaris have strongly asserted that no one has the right to repeatedly demean the faith of Warkaris and Hindus.
- Against this entire background, Sharad Pawar should immediately withdraw his controversial statement on Vaikunthgaman and publicly apologise to the entire Warkari sect, all Vitthal devotees, and Hindus.
The Samiti has made an urgent appeal to the Chief Minister that the State Government take serious cognisance of the attempt to disturb social harmony in Maharashtra and deliberately create ideological tensions in society, and take strict action against Pawar.
