Shirdi row: Saamna defends Maha CM Uddhav Thackeray, says grant issued to develop Pathri

Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ in an editorial, on Tuesday, clarified  party’s stance on Sai Baba controversy and said that Chief Minister has passed a Rs 100 crore grant for development of Pathri. editorial defended CM and said that it was historians and academicians who claimed Pathri to be birthplace of Sai Baba. It furr said that Shirdi is already developed and it will always be primary pilgrim for all Sai Baba devotees.  

Saamna defends CM on Shirdi row 

Accepting that CM heard what historian had to say about Pathri being birthplace of Sai Baba, Saamna said, “In a meeting, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray promoted a town of Parbhani as birthplace of Sai and anunced a grant of Rs 100 crores for development of stones. Shirdi villrs became angry at this. Chief Minister did t take decision on Pathri himself or did t refer to Pathri only because of anything that came to his mind.  Chief Minister spoke about  sentiments of  ancient Sai devotees, Sai characters and about whatever  historians have written down.” 

Read: Shirdi Controversy: After Pathri, Bhivpuri claims its Sai temple is more ancient

Saamna on CM’s meeting with people of Shirdi 

editorial furr read, “ Chief Minister has created controversy over Sai Baba’s birthplace. People from Pathri and Shirdi should also avoid doing same. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said at a meeting with people of Shirdi, on Monday, that funds would be provided for development of pilgrim in Pathri. It would t be given to developing Pathri as  birthplace of Sai Baba, but as a pilgrim area.”   

Read: Sai Baba birthplace row escalates: Pathri threatens stir as CM Uddhav meets Shirdi locals

“ people from Shirdi were satisfied with this and y withdrew bandh. Chief Minister gave immediate attention to issue and clarified government's view. People on both sides were satisfied and an irreparable dispute was over. This was possible because of teachings given by Sai Baba that this controversy could be avoided. Sai Baba said, 're is only one god for all,’ people should keep this in mind that Sai Baba helped everyone!” editorial added.  

Read: CM Uddhav retracts calling Pathri birthplace of Sai Baba after meeting with Shirdi trust

Sai Baba controversy 

After CM Uddhav had declared a grant to develop Pathri,  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 had apprehensions that temple will lose its importance if Pathri is declared as birthplace of Sai Baba.  

However, trust later mentioned that y do t have any issues with Thackeray government issuing funds for development of Pathri. But y did t want it to be declared as Sai baba's birthplace. While Shirdi is kwn as Sai Baba's 'karmabhoomi' and place where he attained samadhi, Pathri is allegedly believed to be his birthplace by many but claim has never been proven. 

Read: Shirdi villrs suspend bandh; future course of action depends on CM's decision