Sambhaji Bhide: Only if the Pandharpur wari is permitted will India and the world rid itself of coronavirus

Sangli: Right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, who is known for making controversial statements, has made a fresh remark linking Covid-19 cases and Pandharpur Ashadi Wari.
Bhide said that the Covid-19 virus is growing because there is no permission for the wari, and not only India, but the world will get rid of the virus after the wari.
On Wednesday, Bhide who heads the Shiv Pratishthan, met the Sangli district collector Abhijeet Choudhary along with the people from the Warkari community and handed over a memorandum seeking permission for the wari.
Speaking to Sangli collector, Bhide said, "If we follow traditions of the saints, all obstacles will end."
Stating that we all want Covid-19 free Hindustan, Bhide urged that permission should be granted for the wari.
Pandharpur Wari processions, the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur in honour of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, reached Pune with 'palkhi' of the two renowned saints.
Bhide also demanded that instead of taking palkis in vehicles, permission for palkhi procession on foot with limited people should be given.
The Shiv Pratishtha leader also claimed that the police doesn't stop those going to liquor shops, but fines those roaming without a mask.
Earlier, Bhide had advised people not to wear a mask, stating that there is panic among masses who are stupid and gullible.
In June 2019, he had said that several couples were blessed with sons after eating mangoes from his orchard.
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