Pune: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to Make Historic Visit Today for Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Ceremony at Alandi
Alandi, 29th June 2024: Today, on the occasion of the Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Ceremony procession of Sant Shreshta Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit Alandi at 3 PM. This visit includes an inspection of pollution in the Indrayani River.
This marks the first time a Chief Minister will be present in Alandi on the day of the Palkhi Ceremony procession leaving Alandi for Pandharpur. Previously, former Home Minister RR Patil and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar (during his tenure with the Aghadi coalition) had visited.
The issue of Indrayani River pollution has been a topic of discussion for years, highlighted recently by concerns from Warkaris about chemical pollution causing white foam in the water over the past month. Despite Warkaris traditionally bathing in this water, this year’s conditions have stirred strong emotions among them and Alandi citizens.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s scheduled inspection of the Indrayani River today reflects his response to these concerns. Locals are curious about the decisions Shinde may make regarding this issue. His itinerary includes visiting the Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at 3 PM, observing the Palkhi Ceremony procession departing from Alandi, and engaging in discussions with the Warkari community. Later, around 5 PM, he will inspect the Indrayani River, accompanied by officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Following this, he will depart for Mumbai from Pune Airport.
This visit has generated excitement among the citizens of Alandi, Warkaris, and devotees, as it marks a significant occasion with the Chief Minister’s presence during the Palkhi Ceremony procession for the first time. However, amidst this enthusiasm, there has been criticism from opposition parties and the Warkari community regarding the Maharashtra State Government’s grant of Rs 20,000 for the Dindis.
