After son Sujay’s remark over free meals at Shirdi, Maharashtra Minister Vikhe-Patil apologises
Sujay Vikhe-Patil had requested the chief executive officer of Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi to stop the free meals for pilgrims.
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Maharashtra Minister for Water Resources Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (left)
and his son, MP Sujay Vikhe Patil (right). (FB)Days after his son and former MP Sujay Vikhe Patil commented on free meals at the Shirdi temple, Maharashtra Minister for Water Resources Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil Monday apologised for the “irresponsible” statement.
At an event held in Shirdi on Saturday, Sujay Vikhe-Patil requested the chief executive officer of Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi to stop the free meal service at the temple premises, saying it attracts a large number of beggars from all over the country. “The money spent on free food should be utilised for the education of children in Shirdi town. They should utilise the funds for coaching centres to prepare students for competitive exams. They can use funds to hire qualified teachers,” said Sujay.
Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, “My apologies to all. If Sujay Vikhe-Patil’s remark has hurt anyone’s sentiments I apologise. Sujay Vikhe-Patil did not mean to hurt pilgrims’ sentiments. He just was stating more can be done for education”.
However, Sujay Vikhe-Patil stood by his statement. “I have not said anything wrong,” he said.
The Shirdi temple serves free meals to all pilgrims visiting the temple around the year. A token is provided at the counter for the general category for Rs 10 and the VIP category for Rs 50 for the meal in its sprawling finding hall called prasadalay (food centre).
The Shirdi temple devoted to Saibaba is a famous pilgrimage spot visited by people across the country and from outside. On average, 40,000 people visit the temple every day and eat at prasadalay.
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