I take darshan of the Pandurang of Pandharpur, I too am a Vaishnav : Sharad Pawar
Pune – “I too am a Vaishnav. I take darshan of Pandurang of Pandharpur; but I do not create a hype. The Varkari sect has been infiltrated by fanatics and this has brought bitterness between the communities. If this bitterness is to be ended and a united community is to be built, the spiritual and varkari people have to become active. (Is this acceptable to the Varkari sect ? Has Sharad Pawar ever condemned those fanatics who enmesh young Hindu women in Love Jihad and kill them brutally, and those who attack and kill Hindus ? Has Sharad Pawar uttered even a word condemning the attack and lynching of Bangladeshi Hindus? -Editor). Those with the knowledge of Saints’ ideals, must take the initiative in spreading constructive thoughts among the young generation and make it prudent,” tated Sharad Pawar, Chairman of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar Group. He was speaking at the conclusion of the ‘Varkari Conference’ organised at ‘Shubharambh Lawns’ on behalf of ‘Nationalist Spiritual and Warkari Aghadi’.
Sharad Pawar further said that the society should be based on progressive ideas. (Does Sharad Pawar expect progressive thinking to mean hatred of Hindu practices, traditions and scriptures ? – Editor). There is a need to take a stand against rituals, customs and traditions. Many people focus on thinking from a certain point of view. It is creating a rift in caste- religion. Those who encourage wrong practices should be kept away by the sect. (Will Varkari sect accept those who say ‘Ramayan and Mahabharat are not needed by the country ? Will they be kept away from the sect ? – Editor).
Pawar said, “It is often debated whether I am a believer or an atheist; but I believe in Varkari sect which gives the idea of secularism. I take darshan of Panduranga of Pandharpur. In my heart there are thoughts of Panduranga, Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram. It keeps giving me mental satisfaction.”