Pune: NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said he was not an atheist and often visited temples to seek blessings of god. Speaking at the Warkari Kirtan Sammelan organised by NCP (SCP)’s warkari and spiritual wing, Pawar said, “Many things are said on whether I am an atheist or not. But let me tell everyone that I often visit the temple to seek blessings of Lord Panduranga, but I never publicise it, nor do I do any drama about my visits.
” He said, “It is not necessary that the whole world should know when you go to seek blessings of Lord Panduranga. You can just go to the temple, take blessings, wait for a moment and leave. It gives a different kind of satisfaction, which is far more than publicity.
” Pawar said the police department had asked him if he was going to attend this programme. “They said there was no clarity on my views about the warkari community, and if my views were different, they would have to take some additional steps (for security),” he said. The senior leader said many people in Maharashtra worked in the name of the warkari community or spiritual wing, but spread hatred in society.
“Those who have accepted the responsibility of maintaining social unity are not expected to take steps that can affect the unity. Some people are not following the ideas of the warkari community. The number of those following the wrong path has increased.
When they present their stand, we see a picture of enmity between people, who otherwise have been living to.