Mumbai, January 17: A call for an indefinite closure of Shirdi has been given after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's reported comment calling Pathri (in Parbhani) as Sai Baba's birthplace. Reacting to Shiv Sena chief's comment, Saibaba Sansthan Trust member B Wakchaure said, "We've announced to close Shirdi against rumours, from January 19". Marathas Dominated Marathwada Remains Most Underdeveloped Region of Maharashtra.

"A meeting of villagers will be convened tomorrow evening to discuss the issue. Devotees will not face any difficulty if they come to Shirdi," Wakchaure said. Recently, Thackeray had held a meeting in Parbhani district. During the meeting, he announced that Pathri, considered as Saibaba's birthplace would be developed as a religious site.

ANI Tweets:

There has been longstanding dispute over Saibaba's birthplace. Reportedly, the residents of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district are afraid that the temple will lose its importance if Pathri is developed as the birthplace of Saibaba. Thackeray has announced a grant of Rs 100 crore to develop Pathri.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s move received backing for Congress and NCP leaders. Congress leader Ashok Chavan said that Pathri should be developed as many devotees visit the sacred place. NCP legislator Durrani Abdullah Khan claimed that there is enough evidence to prove Saibaba was born in Pathri.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2020 09:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).