NCP demands stern action against Abu Azmi’s ‘wari‘ remark

The Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Chief Spokesperson Anand Paranjpe on Monday (June 23, 2025) slammed Maharashtra Samajwadi Party president Abu Azmi for his remarks over ‘wari‘, the foot march by devotees of Lord Vitthal to the temple town of Pandharpur and demanded stringent action against him. 

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Mr. 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.” 

On Sunday, Mr. Azmi said that Muslims have never complained about ‘wari‘, though some leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath keep opposing namaz on the streets. “I was coming from Pune and was told to leave early as the roads will be blocked for wari towards Pandharpur. But we (Muslims) have never complained (about it). Muslims and Hindus walk shoulder to shoulder like brothers. But deliberate attempts are made to create a divide. There are times when mosques are full during prayers so people offer namaz on the roads, which take 5-10 minutes, but the UP CM says those who indulge in such acts will lose their passports and driving licences. Muslims have never asked why festivals are celebrated on the roads.” 

Since Sunday, his remark has drawn criticism from the ruling Mahayuti coalition in the State.  

Mr. Paranjpe said that Azmi needs to be reminded that Ashadhi Wadi is a 800-year-old spiritual, religious and cultural tradition and pilgrimage of Maharashtra. “The palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram start from Alandi and Dehu, and lakhs of Warkaris walk to Pandharpur to seek Lord Vitthal’s darshan. Several Muslim brothers also participate in this Wari and offer their services. Azmi repeatedly uses Hindu-Muslim politics to divide people. His words incite tension, and such behaviour should not be tolerated,” he said.  

Maharashtra Ports Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane warned Mr. Azmi and said, “These people criticise Mahakumbh and ‘wari‘, but these processions don’t happen all year round. Should we raise questions about the Hajj pilgrimage? No one should dare to speak about Hindu culture and festivals.”  

On Sunday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that political leaders like Azmi seek publicity by making controversial statements. “Azmi is known to make controversial remarks to get publicity. I don’t give any importance to this.”