Rohini Khadse, State President of the women’s wing of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), has demanded the suspension of an official who allegedly facilitated VIP access for Nishikant Dubey at the Bhimashankar Temple, even as it remained closed to the general public.
The controversy has also reached the state legislature, with the issue being raised in the Legislative Council. Khadse pointed out that the temple—one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas—was shut for devotees even on Maha Shivaratri, but was allegedly opened exclusively for Dubey.
“We had raised this question earlier. Now it has also been taken up in the state’s highest legislative body by members of Shiv Sena (UBT). The Industry Minister may present a statement on this in the House,” she said.
Questioning the alleged preferential treatment, Khadse remarked, “When the temple remains closed for ordinary citizens, how can special access be granted to select individuals? What kind of justice is this?”
She further called for strict action against the official responsible for permitting what she described as unwarranted VIP privilege, intensifying the political row over access and fairness at one of Maharashtra’s key religious sites.
