Overview

• Manisha Kayande alleged that organizations such as Samvidhan Dindi, Paryavaran Wari and Lokayat are fronts for 'urban Naxals' staging plays and speeches to influence devotees on the pilgrimage.
• Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde instructed the home department to probe these claims following the legislative council discussion.
• Ambadas Danve and other opposition leaders protested at the Vidhan Bhavan, demanding an apology for what they called unfounded defamation of the Ashadhi Wari tradition.
• Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar warned that labeling progressive groups as Naxals has become a political trend and defended Lokayat against any Maoist links.
• The Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage spans 250 kilometres from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur and attracts lakhs of warkaris each year, highlighting concerns over safeguarding its 800-year heritage.