Photo of Mahadevi elephant shared on Vantara’s official page.
Kolhapur: Former MP and farmers’ leader Raju Shetti has urged chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the return of the elephant named Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri), to the Jain math at Nandani before Sept 13, saying all legal and technical formalities for her transfer from Gujarat’s facility have already been completed.
In a memorandum submitted to the chief minister, Shetti said the elephant, shifted to Gujarat following a Supreme Court verdict in July last year, should be brought back in time for the centenary celebrations of Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj’s historic Chaturmas and the 71st death anniversary observances at the math.
Chief minister Fadnavis should issue an urgent order to the high-power committee and the forest department and take action on a war footing to bring Madhuri safely to the Nandani math before Sept 13,” Shetti added. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
The shelter and care infrastructure mandated by authorities has already been put in place, according to Shetti. He said the delay in Mahadevi’s return has sparked resentment among Jain devotees across Kolhapur, Sangli, north Karnataka and other parts of Maharashtra, prompting both a public campaign and a legal battle by the community. A govt committee has also completed an inspection of the facilities provided for her care at the Nandani math,” he said.
The demand comes after a high-powered committee-appointed team recently inspected the facilities created at the Nandani math to house the elephant. “Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the Gujarat facility submitted a report to the relevant agencies stating that Madhuri is physically fit and healthy. “Six months have passed since the completion of the legal and technical aspects. Download the TOI App.
More than two lakh devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka are expected to attend the Sept 13 celebrations, which will include an anti-addiction rally and a traditional religious procession.
Speaking to TOI, Shetti said govt should expedite the process without further delay. Math authorities and devotees say Mahadevi has long held a special place in the institution’s religious traditions and her presence is considered integral to the procession.