Maharashtra deputy CM Fadnavis performs 'mahapuja' at Vitthal temple in Pandharpur

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta performed the official puja at the famous Vitthal temple in Pandharpur in Solapur district on the occasion of Kartiki Ekadashi on Friday.

Warkari couple Uttamrao and Kalavati Salunke got the opportunity to perform the ritual alongside Fadnavis and his wife in the early hours of the day.

"As a chief minister earlier, I got the opportunity to offer the 'mahapuja' on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi and I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to offer prayers on the occasion of Kartiki Ekadashi," Fadnavis said while addressing the gathering after the ritual.

The deputy chief minister lauded the contribution of the warkari sect and said that warkaris kept "the flag of the Bhagwat dharma high, despite several invasions".
Fadnavis further said that he had held a meeting on Thursday to discuss development plans for Pandharpur.

"When Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had come to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi, he had expressed his views on developing the temple town on the lines of development of various corridors in other religious sites in the country by suggesting changes in the old developmental plans for Pandharpur," Fadnavis said.

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The district authorities and other stakeholders have made a good developmental plan for the temple and in the coming days, the state government will put it into action, he said.

"I would like to assure all citizens, devotees and shopkeepers that they will start the work by taking everyone into confidence, without pressurising anyone and by giving adequate compensation to land owners in case of land acquisition," the deputy chief minister said.

He further assured that in the process of implementing the development plan, the tradition of wari will not be disturbed.

"I was told that along with the development plan, the restoration of the temple has to be done urgently. I have instructed the district collector to start the restoration work of the temple immediately and the necessary funds will be made available," Fadnavis said.

The deputy chief minister said he prayed to Lord Vitthal for prosperity of farmers and the poor in the state.

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