Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday came out in support of former Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai after he courted controversy and faced criticism for meeting Dhirendra Shastri, chief priest of the Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh.
Social activist and founder-president of the Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti Shyam Manav criticised Justice Gavai over his meeting with Mr. Shastri, saying, “He [CJI Gavai] has no right to invoke the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.”
Mr. Manav raised concerns over the meeting, saying, “Mr. Gavai, who sought blessings of a baba, should not claim the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. I have no problem with how he conducts himself, but he has lost all rights to even take his name; it is a disrespect to the principle of B.R. Ambedkar.”
Mr. Manav urged Mr. Shastri to accept a challenge of an anti-superstition panel. “We will present a group of 10 people, tell their surname, father’s name, age, and mobile number, and win ₹80 lakh as a prize,” he added.
Responding to the comments, Mr. Fadnavis said, “Mr. Manav speaks for publicity and makes such statements to be relevant. Who is he to say this? Is he distributing certificates?”
