Shirdi Bandh: Cong's Sanjay Nirupam slams CM Uddhav for triggering Sai Baba birthplace row

While Shirdi is observing an indefinite bandh amid Saibaba birthplace row, Congress leer Sanjay Nirupam, on Sunday vised CM Uddhav Thackeray to t intervene in people's faith. former Shiv Sena leer ded that while CM anunced that Saibaba's birthplace was Parthi, devotees believed that Sai Baba was from Shirdi. Incidentally, Nirupam's co-party leer and former Maharashtra CM, Ashok Chavan has hailed move, stating that creation of facilities for devotees at Pathri should t be opposed over controversy over birthplace.

Congress' Nirupam slams Uddhav's Parthi anuncement

Saibaba birthplace row: Vikhe Patil warns of `legal fight'

Uddhav Thackeray to hold talks

Meanwhile, CM Uddhav Thackeray will hold talks with Shirdi Sansthan Trust members, local leers to discuss issue on Monday. Currently, shops, restaurants are keeping ir shutters down, maintaining a shutdown till Chief Minister takes back his statement declaring Pathri as Sai Baba's birthplace. Throughout bandh, Saibaba temple will remain open and all facilities like free canteen, free hospitals, free lodgings will function regularly as always.

Shirdi Bandh begins: Shops & hotels closed, temple remains open; Thackeray to hold talks

Uddhav Thackeray declares Parthi as Saibaba's birthplace

Earlier on January 9, Maharashtra cabinet held a review meeting of development works in Parbhani district. In meeting, CM Uddhav Thackeray anunced that Pathri, considered as birthplace of Saibaba would be developed as a site for religious tourism. Thackeray also anunced a grant of Rs.100 crore to Pathri.

Shirdi trust confirms temple will remain open despite Saibaba birthplace dispute bandh

Shirdi Bandh

This move triggered residents of Shirdi to anunce a bandh from January 19 onwards. Moreover, Saibaba Sansthan Trust reportedly slammed Thackeray for confusing devotees. Reportedly, residents of Shirdi have apprehension that temple will lose its importance if Pathri is declared as birthplace of Saibaba. trust has mentioned that y don't have any issues with Thackeray government issuing funds for Parthi, but do t want it to be declared as Sai baba's birthplace.

Maharashtra CM's decision to develop Pathri draws ire, Shirdi residents call for bandh

While Shirdi is kwn as Saibaba's 'karmabhoomi' and where he attained samhi, Parthi has been believed to be his birthplace but has never been allegedly proved. Shirdi MLA Rhakrishna Vikhe Patil and his son Sujay Vikhe Patil have backed bandh, condemning Thackeray for stirring a controversy over Baba's birthplace which has t been revealed by saint himself. Moreover, BJP MP Sujay Vikhe Patil has threatened to launch a "legal fight" over issue, asking why claims that it was Saibaba's birthplace surfaced only after new government took over.