Shirdi observes indefinite bandh against CM's remark, Sai temple opens as usual
Shirdi : Temple town Shirdi in Maharashtra is observing bandh on Sunday against the remarks from the Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray which described Pathri in Parbhani as the 'birthplace' of 19-century saint Sai Baba.
Maharashtra: A bandh has been called today in Shirdi town, against CM Uddhav Thackeray's reported comment calling Pathri (in Parbhani) as Sai Baba's birthplace. pic.twitter.com/wxPGlrRJki
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2020
However, as mentioned by the band organisers, Sai Temple opened as per schedule with devotees lining up outside the temple and wait for their number to go inside and offer their prayers.
Maharashtra: Shirdi Sai Baba temple remains open amid bandh called today in Shirdi town, against CM Uddhav Thackeray's reported comment calling Pathri (in Parbhani) as Sai Baba's birthplace. pic.twitter.com/fNAx3FrPTa
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2020
The whole controversy started after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray made an announcement that Pathri will be developed as Sai Baba's birth place and allocated Rs 100 crores for the project.
The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review the development plans in the Parbhani district.
The locals are arguing that there is no official document that could confirm Sai Baba's birthplace, infact, Sai Baba also never mentioned about his birthplace during his stay in Shirdi.
On Saturday, announcing that the temple would stay open during the bandh, Deepak Madukar Muglikar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST), had clarified to news agency ANI that reports circulating in media that the Sai Baba temple, too, will be shut during the bandh were false and that the temple would be open on Sunday too.
