BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy Urges Maharashtra CM to Scrap Pandharpur Temple Corridor Plan
In a significant development, senior BJP politician Subramanian Swamy has formally written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding the immediate cancellation of the proposed Pandharpur Temple Corridor Development Plan. The letter, dated February 12, raises serious concerns about the potential demolition of ancient maths, temples, and historical structures, while highlighting strong opposition from local residents in Pandharpur.
Historical and Religious Significance of Pandharpur
Pandharpur is home to the renowned Vitthal-Rukhmini temple, a site of immense religious importance that attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, known as warkaris, during auspicious calendar days. These pilgrims, primarily farmers from rural Maharashtra and Karnataka, travel to the temple town to seek blessings and glimpse the deities, making it a vital cultural and spiritual hub.
Swamy's Detailed Objections and Alternative Proposal
In his detailed letter, which he later shared on social media, Swamy argued that the state government is forcefully pushing the plan, inspired by similar corridor developments in Varanasi and Ujjain. He revealed that local priests and shop owners, who would be adversely affected by the corridor, had approached him with their grievances.
Swamy proposed an alternative solution: constructing the corridor along the Chandrabhaga river and utilizing plots owned by the municipal council—currently encroached upon—to develop facilities for the warkaris. He emphasized that the existing plan lacks real purpose and would not benefit residents or devotees, labeling it a waste of public money that goes against public sentiment.
"There are several illegalities in the proposal, and it will not be needed if the government and municipal-owned land is properly utilized," Swamy wrote, criticizing the plan for its lack of transparency and community consultation.
Government Response and Local Protests
In response, CM Fadnavis has tasked district collector Kumar Ashirwad with convincing residents about the plan's merits. In August, Ashirwad asserted that the plan is definitely proceeding, stating there should be no discussion about its implementation. He assured that historical structures like the Holkar and Shinde Sarkar Wadas, over 200 years old, would be protected, and old temples and memorials conserved.
However, neither the local municipal council nor the state government has disclosed full details of the plan. Officials indicate it involves widening roads approaching the temple, which could impact shops, maths, and small temples.
Following Swamy's letter, several traders have protested, chanting slogans against the corridor plan. They claim attempts were made to impose the plan during the administrative rule of the Pandharpur Municipal Council and demand that it now be discussed before the newly elected council body.
Dattatray Deshmukh, a resident, expressed his concerns: "My family's livelihood depends on devotees arriving at the Vitthal Rukhmini temple. The government's plan will uproot my home and shop. The administration did not give us any idea about rehabilitation or compensation for affected persons."
This controversy underscores the tension between development initiatives and the preservation of cultural heritage, with local livelihoods hanging in the balance as the debate continues.
