Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), expressed concerns on Saturday regarding the influence of regressive elements within Maharashtra’s Warkari sect. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labeled Pawar’s assertions as “wrong.” The Shiv Sena party also criticized Pawar, suggesting that his comments could harm the Hindu faith.
Pawar stated, “Regressive individuals have started to infiltrate movements like the Warkari sect. Currently, approximately sixty percent of the sect seems to present their ideas in ways that bolster extremist religious ideologies. We are compiling a list of individuals, and we have identified around forty members within the sect who maintain a progressive viewpoint through their ‘Kirtans’ and ‘pravachans.’ Their presence is crucial, yet it is unfortunate that women are largely absent from this path of enlightenment,” he remarked.
His comments were published in a commemorative booklet for the All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan for Female Government Officers taking place in New Delhi.
Responding to Pawar’s statements, Chief Minister Fadnavis, who attended the event later in the evening, remarked, “Sharad Pawar’s views are fundamentally incorrect. I feel disappointed that he has penned such an article.” Nevertheless, Fadnavis acknowledged the importance of free expression, stating, “Everyone has the right to share their opinions. Literary events often feature diverse perspectives. He was invited due to his past roles as chief minister and agriculture minister and his contributions to politics. It is his prerogative to write as he sees fit.”
Fadnavis further noted, “While Sharad Pawar has played a role in Maharashtra’s development, his connection to the Warkari sect is limited. The movement he or his followers established in Maharashtra has generally been secular in nature. He has often stated that he does not adhere to any particular religion, which may result in an inaccurate understanding of the Warkari sect.”
He added, “Recently, some individuals attempted to introduce ideas contrary to the fundamental beliefs of the Warkari sect, but they were expelled. This tradition spans hundreds of years and is rooted in faith, brotherhood, and the belief that every individual’s heart and mind should be purified under the principles of Bhagwat Dharma. It is a philosophy in tune with nature. Therefore, Sharad Pawar’s article is entirely misguided, and I am disheartened that he would write it.”
In the same souvenir, Pawar elaborated on his motivation to advocate for a distinct reservation policy for women during his time as a Union Minister, attributing this to the significant influence of his mother. He recounted, “At that time, there was only one position for a female representative on the District Local Board. My mother won that seat for the entire district. She was exceptional because she never missed a meeting and always came well-prepared. Back then, there were no public transport options like the ST buses; only private motor services were available.”
Sanjay Shirsat, a spokesperson for Shiv Sena, commented, “The Warkari sect is composed of individuals from various castes and does not belong to any single caste. Therefore, it is inappropriate to attribute a ‘casteist’ label to it, and such claims could potentially harm the Hindu community. Sharad Pawar should refrain from attempting to divide the strength of Hindus and should not assert that there is ‘casteist infiltration’ within the sect.”
BJP leader Parinay Phuke remarked, “The Warkari community is devoted to Lord Vitthal and focuses solely on his worship, without any other ideology. All members identify as Hindus and adhere to a belief system centered around God. While Pawar has tried to align himself with the ‘right,’ he has failed to penetrate that space, which is why he now speaks from a leftist perspective.”
MPCC chief Harshwardhan Sapkal stated, “The Warkari Sect has a rich legacy of progressive thought that stands against traditionalist ideologies. However, some individuals are now using the Warkari name to promote regressive ideas.” He further claimed that the BJP and RSS promote ideologies rooted in “gender inequality and casteism.”
