Shinde says spiritual authority above state power, promises help for Kumbh-hit families at Trimbakeshwar

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said spiritual authority is greater than state power. According to him, running the state while bowing at the feet of saints is his upbringing. He was speaking at a saints' conference held in Trimbakeshwar.

Shinde paid obeisance to Lord Trimbakeshwar and Godavari Mai and greeted the saints and mahants who had come from across the country. Quoting the line "When sadhus and saints come home, that is Diwali and Dussehra", he said the real Diwali was being celebrated today because of the saints. He said this was not merely a political or social gathering but a celebration of spiritual energy.

Shinde said Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe had taught him that politics is practised for social service, service to the nation and defence of the nation. He made it clear that even when state power is in hand, spirituality and spiritual authority remain greater.

He said Maharashtra was shaped by the teachings of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram and Samarth Ramdas. Along with devotion, the saints also taught humanity, equality and social service. Citing Sant Tukaram's thought on those who are "distressed and afflicted", Shinde said serving the needy is true religion.

Asked about farmers hit by drought, Shinde said the government stands with them with full strength. He announced that the Shiv Sena would help with the weddings of daughters of farmers in difficulty because of the drought. On the Kumbh Mela, he said it is not only an event of faith. It is also a festival that will give momentum to tourism, trade, employment, basic infrastructure and the local economy.

Shinde also announced that the Shiv Sena would arrange meals for the saints, mahants and sadhus of the 13 akhadas. He said, "It is our good fortune to serve the saints."

Families affected by Kumbh works will be resettled with permanent houses, and no one will face injustice. If traders, shopkeepers and farmers suffer losses, the government will pay compensation. Complaints related to land acquisition for the Sadhugram will also be resolved. Land acquisition for the Trimbakeshwar stadium is under way and the funding has been planned. He also assured the funds needed for the administrative building of the municipal council.

Shinde said this is the first and a very important event in his entire political and social life. He said honouring saints and mahants is a matter of good fortune. He said, "CM means Common Man. I worked as a party worker and I will continue to work as a party worker."

He said that, with the cooperation of the Chief Minister and the whole Cabinet, the government will work with full strength to make the Simhastha a success. Care will be taken that akhadas, sadhus and mahants, devotees and local people face no trouble. Shinde expressed confidence: "With the blessings of the saints we will make this Kumbh a success, and we will not let injustice be done to anyone."

Those present at the conference included Jagadguru Swami Shantigiri Maharaj, Mahant Mahamandaleshwar Shivgiri Maharaj, Mahant Satyagiri Maharaj, Mahant Dhananjaygiri Maharaj, Mahant Shankaranand Saraswati Maharaj, Mahant Rameshgiri Maharaj, Mahant Durgananda Maharaj, Mahant Ramkishoredas Shastri, Mahant Durgadas Maharaj, Mahant Ramnavamidas Maharaj, Mahant Gopaldas Maharaj, Sant Devendrasingh Shastri and Akshay Maharaj Bhosale, state president of the Dharmaveer Spiritual Army. Mahamandaleshwars of several akhadas, saints, mahants, religious leaders and dignitaries also attended.

Minister Dada Bhuse, MLAs Suhas Kande and Gokul Gite, district chiefs Ajay Boraste, Vinay Karanje, Vijay Amle and Pravin Amle, along with local representatives and party office-bearers, were present in large numbers.