NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated that regressive-minded individuals have infiltrated Maharashtra's Warkari sect. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called Pawar's views incorrect, while Shiv Sena accused him of damaging Hindu unity.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar wrote in a souvenir for the All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan for Female Government Officers in New Delhi that regressive people have infiltrated the Warkari sect. "Regressive people have begun infiltrating movements like the Warkari sect. Sixty per cent of the people in the Warkari sect now present their discourse in a way that gives more strength to religious fanatical forces," Pawar said. He noted about 40 progressive figures in the sect and lamented the lack of women.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted strongly, calling Pawar's views "grossly incorrect" and saying he was hurt by the article. "Even though Sharad Pawar has contributed to Maharashtra's development, he hasn’t had much connection with Warkaris," Fadnavis said. He defended the sect's 800-900 year tradition of faith, brotherhood, and Bhagwat Dharma, noting recent ousters of disruptive elements.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat accused Pawar of trying to divide Hindu strength by giving a casteist color to the multi-caste Warkari sect. BJP leader Parinay Phuke said the community is devoted to Lord Vitthal with no other ideology. MPCC chief Harshwardhan Sapkal backed Pawar, stating the sect upholds progressive thought against Manuvad, while criticizing BJP-RSS for promoting gender inequality and casteism.
