Telangana CM KCR Visits Pandharpur Temple, Faces Political Cold Shoulder
Solapur, June 27: Telangana Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao, popularly known as KCR, remained undeterred by the lack of political support as he visited the revered Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Sporting his signature white attire, KCR smiled and waved at the crowd while making his way to the temple.
Amidst the monsoon showers, KCR paid his respects to the divine idols of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini, offering silent prayers during the special pooja organized for his visit. The temple authorities welcomed him and presented him with traditional shawls, mementos, and a large painting of the Lord.
KCR’s visit to Maharashtra aims to expand his party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in the state. Accompanied by his entire cabinet, legislators, parliamentarians, and party officials, his ‘mega-pilgrimage’ has garnered mixed reactions from the political parties in Maharashtra.
After the temple visit, KCR paid homage to the late NCP leader Bharat Bhalke and inducted his son, Bhagirath Bhalke, into the BRS. A public rally was held in Sarkoli, where KCR addressed the gathering.
Following his engagements in Pandharpur, KCR and his team are scheduled to visit the renowned Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur to offer prayers.
Despite the customary protocol and security arrangements, KCR and his delegation faced a lukewarm response from the state and political parties. They were not permitted to shower flower petals on the Warkari processions heading to the temple, eliciting sniggers and unflattering comments from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies—Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena.
The visit marked a contrast to the warm reception KCR received from Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and NCP President Sharad Pawar during his previous visit to Mumbai in February 2022.
