'Shiv Sainiks will demolish unauthorized toilet erected on Manikarnika Kunda’

Shiv Sainiks will demolish unauthorized toilet erected on ‘Manikarnika Kunda’ on Shri Mahalakshmi Devasthan premises, if not done by concerned authorities – MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, Shiv Sena

MLAs of Shiv Sena and BJP stage demonstrations on the steps of Vidhan Bhavan – From left : Shri. Gulabrao Patil, Shri. Bharatsheth Gogavale, Shri. Rajesh Kshirsagar, Shri. Satyajit Patil, Shri. Narendra Pawar and Shri. Prashant Thakur

Mumbai : There was a holy ‘Kunda’ on the premises of Shri Mahalakshmi Devasthan, a worshipped Deity of millions of Hindus and one of the 3 and half ‘Shakti-Peethas’; but it was filled up and clogged in unauthorized manner by building a toilet over this ‘Kunda’ by Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti (PMDS). PMDS has thus committed a sin by hurting religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. Maharashtra Government should take immediate note of this matter and file criminal cases against the guilty officers and employees; besides demolishing the unauthorized structure by 15th April 2016; else Shiv Sainiks will render service in their style at this place and demolish the same. The above warning was given to the Government by Shri. Rajesh Kshirsagar, Shiv Sena’s MLA from Kolhapur, through the medium of demonstrations staged in Vidhan Bhavan area.

MLAs from Shiv Sena and BJP participated in these demonstrations including Shri. Gulabrao Patil, Shri. Arjun Khotkar, Shri. Satyajit Patil, Shri. Bharatsheth Gogavale of Shiv Sena and Shri. Narendra Pawar, Shri. Prashant Thakur and Shri. Shivajirao Kardile, MLAs from BJP.

PMDS carried out such changes in the ancient structure without seeking permission of Archaeology Department and it is a cognizable offence under Archaeology Act. On 15thApril 2015, Shri. Rajaram Mane, the then District Collector of Kolhapur had issued order for removal of the unauthorized toilet; but the temple committee has totally ignored the same. Several representations have been submitted so far to police but nothing has been done either by police or by temple committee or by Archaeology Department. Now at least, toilet on Manikarnika Kunda should be removed and the ‘Kunda’ should be immediately opened for devotees; else the State Administration will be totally responsible for the consequences, warned demonstrating MLAs.

BJP will take active part in service ! – Narendra Pawar, BJP MLA

It is not important that we are in power; but it is the problem related to people’s sentiments and faith; and for that reason, we have come together here. If unauthorized toilet over Manikarnika Kunda is not removed immediately, we shall take active part in service to be rendered for this cause i.e. demolition of the above construction.

Agitations will be stopped only after removal of toilet over Manikarnika Kunda ! – MLA Shri. Satyajit Patil, Shiv Sena

It is a serious matter and related to faith. The agitations will stop only after removal of toilet built over Manikarnika Kunda.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat