Mahayuti Govt's Pension Plan for Pandharpur Pilgrims; Attempt to Woo Voters?

The Mahayuti Government - a coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, And Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - has proposed a new plan to pay pensions to senior residents who take part in the centuries old tradition of Wari or Dindi pilgrimages to Pandharpur. The social justice department, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has set up the 'Mukhya Mantri Warkari Sampradaya Mahamandal' to monitor this endeavour.

Every year, lakhs of Warkaris make their way to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage. By July 12, the Public Health Department announced that over 6.28 lakh Warkaris (Pilgrims) were receiving free health care, with the figure projected to rise further.

The Mahayuti government intends to win the support of several lakh senior citizen Warkaris aged 60 and above by providing cash rewards through pension systems. This tactic has the potential to secure their votes in the assembly elections being held this year.

The government has set up INR 50 crore as startup money for the new 'Warkari' corporation, which will be headquartered in Pandharpur. However, detailed information about the pension amount has not yet been revealed and soon will be confirmed by the corporation. However, INR 20,000 per 'Dindi' (group of devotees) would be provided starting this year.

Every year, lakhs of 'Warkaris' depart on foot for Pandharpur for 21 days pilgrim. People from various communities and castes participate in the religious journey. The Bhakti tradition served as the foundation for the Warkari movement. Sant Tukaram Maharaj of Dehu, a 17th-century saint, is said to have founded it.

Warkari Community's Influence:

Warkari community has tremendous influence in rural areas. Senior Congress officials have urged Rahul Gandhi to participate in the trip. Sharad Pawar is also likely to take part. The MahaYuti alliance does not want to alienate this population, particularly since the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is looking for their support.

Goverment's Initiatives:

The government has decided to invest INR 36.71 crore in 'Nirmal Vari,' a project to provide portable toilets along pilgrimage routes. This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve pilgrim facilities and make their journeys easier.

The state administration recognised the cultural value of this tradition and has submitted a request to UNESCO for the listing of Pandharpur Wari as a World Heritage Site. This pilgrimage is viewed as an essential component of Maharashtra's identity.

The announcement comes at a critical moment, with Maharashtra assembly elections expected in October, 2024. The opposition MVA intends to court the 'Warkari' group, with important politicians such as Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi anticipated to join them.

The pension schemes and other initiatives represent the state government's efforts to recognise and promote this long-standing practice while also gaining electoral support from an important demographic group.