Ashadi Ekadashi: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, wife presides over Mahapuja at Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandhapur

KOLHAPUR: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta presided over the Mahapuja at Vitthal-Rukhmini temple of Pandhapur in Solapur district on Sunday morning on the occasion of auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadashi.More than 20 lakh Warkari's have arrived in the temple town, most of which walking hundreds of kilometers to reach the temple town and get darshan of Vitthal and Rukhmini. Among them were Kailas Damu Ugale and his wife Kalpana from Jategaon, taluka Nandgaon from Nashik district who got the honour to preside by CM and his wife's side for the Mahapuja. The couple from Nashik was given free pass for state transport bus travel for next one year.Fadnavis briefing the media after the ritual said, "I sought strength to overcome the challenges and walk on righteous path for the development of Maharashtra. I also sought farmers welfare, they get bumper yield this year."When asked bout the allegations by Mahayuti leaders that people with extreme views have infiltrated the Wari, Fadnavis said that those coming in Wari must have thought of Vitthal on his mind and eager to get his darshan. Those come with agenda is absolutely wrong "Fadnavis praised the administration for reducing the time for darshan. He said that with the efforts, the Warkari's get darshan within five hour less than normal time. He also said that the Pandhapur corridor will be developed without destroying the livelihood of local traders, residents.