In a move ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, the Maharashtra government has added 110 minority religious sites to the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, which facilitates free pilgrimages for senior citizens. This expansion includes 15 sites from across the country and 95 located within the state.
The newly included pilgrimage destinations encompass significant religious sites for various communities, such as Muslims, Parsis, Buddhists, and Jains. Notable additions to the scheme include:
- Haji Ali Dargah
- Haji Malang Dargah
- Ramtek Jain Temple
- Iranshah Atash Behram
- Velankanni
The list also features important Buddhist sites such as:
- Gautama Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Gautam Buddha Sadhana Bhoomi in Bihar
- Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh
- BR Ambedkar’s birthplace in Nagpur
This inclusion aims to provide senior citizens from various minority communities with the opportunity to undertake pilgrimages at significant religious sites.
However, this expansion has not been without controversy. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh labelled the move an “election gimmick” aimed at swaying voters ahead of the elections. He expressed his concerns when the scheme was first launched in July 2024, noting the initial lack of representation for Muslim holy sites. “When the scheme was launched, I immediately asked why no holy place for Muslims was included. I am happy that these three holy places have now been added,” he remarked.
Shaikh further highlighted Maharashtra’s rich spiritual heritage, pointing to numerous Sufi dargahs visited by people of all faiths. He suggested that the initial exclusion of these significant sites reflected the government’s true nature and priorities.
Launched in July 2024, the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana initially featured 139 religious sites, including:
- Vaishno Devi Temple
- Amarnath Caves
- Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Char Dham Yatra
- Ram Temple in Ayodhya
- Somnath Temple in Dwarka
- Jagannath Puri in Odisha
Under this scheme, eligible individuals with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are entitled to financial support of up to Rs 30,000. This amount covers travel, accommodation, and food expenses for the pilgrimage. Additionally, seniors aged 75 and above can take along a spouse or attendant for assistance.
At the state level, the commissioner of the social justice department will serve as the nodal officer to oversee the implementation of the scheme.
As the Assembly elections draw closer, the Maharashtra government’s initiative to broaden the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana underscores the importance of inclusive policies aimed at engaging various communities. However, the political implications and reactions suggest that the move will continue to be scrutinised as the election date approaches.
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