Won't let you perform puja at Pandharpur: Marathas to CM Devendra Fadnavis

The Maratha community has warned chief minister Devendra Fadnavis that if the Maratha reservations is not implemented in totality, his spouse Amruta will not be allowed to perform the first pooja of Vitthal Rukmini at Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 23).

As per tradition, the CM and his spouse is given the honour to perform the first puja of Vitthal Rukmini deity. The Maratha community has been agitating for the last two years to press their various demands including reservations for Maratha community in school, college admission and in government employment.

Bhaiya Patil, social media coordinator for Maratha agitations told DNA that the Maratha community people are unhappy with the BJP government. "The BJP-led government is unmoved about our long-pending demands. A majority the people from the community are engaged in agricultural activities. The continuous failure of crops and erratic monsoon has increased farmers' debt. Many farmers have committed suicides. Maratha youths are talented but they are unable to take admissions in engineering and medical colleges due to the high admissions fees. Also the rise in unemployment," he said.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar warned that government should not test the patience of the Maratha community.