Azmi's 'wari' remark: NCP calls SP leader 'toxic element', VHP says he is insulting Hindus

Mumbai/Nagpur: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an ally in the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, slammed Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Monday for his remark about 'wari', the foot march by devotees of Lord Vitthal to the temple town of Pandharpur, and demanded action against him.

The NCP's chief spokesperson, Anand Paranjpe, condemned the SP leader's comment, saying that he has become a "toxic element" in Maharashtra.

Azmi on Sunday said Muslims have never complained about 'wari', though some leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath keep opposing namaz on the streets.

Talking to reporters, Paranjpe said, "Abu Azmi has become a toxic element in Maharashtra, repeatedly making inflammatory statements to disrupt communal harmony. The government must act decisively against him." He said Ashadiwari is an 800-year-old tradition.

The NCP leader pointed out that several Muslims offer their services and participate in the 'wari', which sees lakhs of 'warkaris' from different parts of the state walking to Pandharpur with 'palkhis' of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram.

"Azmi repeatedly uses Hindu-Muslim politics to divide people. His words incite tension, and such behaviour should not be tolerated," he said.

State Ports Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said no one should dare speak about Hindu culture and festivals.

"These people criticise Mahakumbh and 'wari', but these processions don't happen all year round. Should we raise questions about the Hajj pilgrimage?" he asked.

In a release, Vishva Hindu Parishad Maharashtra and Goa 'mantri' Govind Shende slammed Azmi, while asserting that the state's glorious festivals and traditions are celebrated with great devotion and discipline.

"Ashadhi and Kartiki wari see lakhs of devotees traveling to Pandharpur, upholding social harmony and unity. The Hindu community has always shown tolerance, allowing people of all faiths to worship freely. Despite the inconvenience caused by loudspeakers and namaz in public places, the Hindu community has always been accommodating," he said.

Wari is an annual event and the administration along with social organizations ensures smooth traffic management, he said, adding that Azmi was targeting this tradition.

"It is disrespectful and unacceptable. Such comparisons insult the sentiments of the Hindu community and disregard centuries-old traditions," Shende said.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had accused Azmi of seeking publicity.