In Nashik, a 64-year-old ascetic who frequently takes a vow of silence is giving his fellow Lok Sabha candidates sleepless nights.
Shantigiri Maharaj, also known as Mauni Baba, has taken his second electoral plunge and is contesting from the Nashik Lok Sabha seat as an Independent candidate. Over the past few days, he is said to have held discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Nashik guardian minister Dada Bhuse and state Cabinet minister Girish Mahajan, all of whom have requested him to withdraw his candidature.
Shantigiri Maharaj’s rivals are understandably wary of his ability to garner votes. The last time he contested a Lok Sabha election – from Aurangabad in 2009 – he had bagged over 1.48 lakh votes.
“We have sizeable followers in 5-6 Lok Sabha constituencies. Many of my disciples felt that the other parties should have withdrawn their candidates and supported me. It is at the insistence of my followers that I am fighting this election,” Shantigiri Maharaj said.
Nashik goes to polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.
Shantigiri Maharaj, who has assets of over Rs 38 crore, was initially eyeing a nomination from the Shiv Sena and had also filed his nomination as a Sena candidate. However, with the party sticking with sitting MP Hemant Godse, Shantigiri Maharaj is now contesting as an Independent.
The ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance led by Shinde has been requesting Shantigiri Maharaj to withdraw his resignation but he has been insistent on fighting the elections. He will now face off against Godse and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Rajabhau Waje.
“When those in power forget their duties, it becomes necessary for the rule of righteousness to advance” is how Shantigiri Maharaj is now promoting his candidature through various banners that have sprouted up in the constituency.
Shantigiri Maharaj largely operates from his sprawling 350-acre ashram near the historic Ellora caves in Aurangabad district. However, he has a substantial following in adjacent districts like Nashik where he was born.
Shantigiri Maharaj runs an organic farm, a high school, a college and several de-addiction centres. He is known to take long vows of silence – the longest being for nine years. These vows of silence are repeated various times in the year with Shantigiri Maharaj communicating through a scribble pad which is then deciphered and conveyed by a translator.
While he is presently speaking to his voters while canvassing for votes, he has made it clear that he will not allow his voice to be stifled by established political parties.