INSIDE STORY: Sai Baba birthplace row getting out of hand, here's how CM Uddhav buckled

On Monday, dispute over birthplace of Sai Baba was resolved after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray retracted his statement on Pathri. This development took place after a delegation of 40 members including representatives of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, BJP MLA Rhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, and Shiv Sena MP Sashiv Lokhande met Maharashtra CM and or top ministers. Ar crucial breakthrough was that objection was raised by anyone regarding allocation of Rs.100 crore for development of Pathri as a hub for religious tourism.  

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Details of meeting

In meeting, Vikhe-Patil explained that a Bandh was observed in Shirdi keeping in mind sentiments of devotees. Explaining problem with Thackeray’s statement on  birthplace of Sai Baba, Vikhe-Patil emphasised that government h taken a categorical position on issue so far. On or hand, Thackeray questioned need for such a dispute in first place.  

He contended that too much should t be re into grant being sanctioned for Pathri. According to senior Sena leer Kamlakar Ko, CM h given an assurance that Pathri wouldn’t be called as Sai Baba’s birthplace. Being a representative of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, Ko ted that controversy h ended.  

Meanwhile, Rhakrishna Vikhe-Patil too agreed that a consensus h been reached between all groups. Highlighting that protest h been withdrawn, he said that people of Shirdi h objections after meeting. Furrmore, he exuded confidence in assurance given by Maharashtra CM.  

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dispute over birthplace of Sai Baba

 Sai Baba temple at Shirdi is one of most popular destinations in country, with lakhs of devotees thronging it every year. While re has been a longstanding dispute over Sai Baba’s birthplace, situation turned for worse when Thackeray anunced a grant of Rs.100 crore for purpose of developing Pathri. reafter, people of Shirdi anunced an indefinite bandh.  

But, on January 19, villrs of Shirdi decided to temporarily suspend bandh. y considered factors such as willingness of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to hold talks with protesters and convenience of devotees. ditionally, y warned that y would re-start ir agitation if Maharashtra CM did t make a satisfactory decision. Despite bandh, Sai Baba temple remained open.  

(With ANI inputs)

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