KALYAN: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday asserted that the Mahayuti government would always stand firmly with Sanatan Dharma whenever it faces challenges, while addressing a large gathering at the historic Pimpleshwar Mahadev Temple in Dombivli.The chief minister was speaking at a gratitude ceremony and public felicitation programme organised by the temple trust after the state cabinet approved the transfer of the temple’s 4.5-acre land parcel from MIDC to the Pimpleshwar Temple Trust, bringing an end to a long-standing dispute over the property.The event was attended by Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, Industries Minister Uday Samant, local leaders, trustees, devotees and representatives of the Warkari community.Addressing devotees, Fadnavis said the successful resolution of the land issue was a victory of faith and perseverance rather than politics.“The struggle over the Pimpleshwar Mahadev land has finally come to an end. This is a victory of Mahadev’s devotees. I am grateful to Lord Mahadev for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this sacred work,” he said.The chief minister noted that the increasing value of land in the area had led to repeated attempts to stake claims over the temple property. “There were efforts from various quarters to take control of the land, but devotees, trustees and local residents remained united and protected this sacred place,” he said.Fadnavis credited Industries Minister Uday Samant, Forest Minister Chandrakant Bawankule and MLA Ravindra Chavan for pursuing the issue and helping secure cabinet approval for the land transfer.“This government respects all religions and does not believe in insulting any faith. However, whenever Sanatan Dharma faces a challenge, the Mahayuti government will stand strongly with it,” he said.Speaking on the occasion, Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde said the resolution of the land issue marked the culmination of a decades-long struggle by temple trustees, villagers, social workers and devotees.“For many years, the trust, local residents and devotees fought tirelessly for this land. Under the leadership of the Mahayuti government, the issue concerning the temple’s 4 acres and 25 gunthas of land has finally been resolved,” Shinde said.He added that the government would now focus on the temple’s restoration and development. “The land issue has been settled, and in the coming years all necessary decisions regarding the temple’s renovation, development and funding will be taken,” he said.Highlighting religious tourism initiatives in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, Shinde said restoration work at the Khidkali Temple was underway, while development of the ancient Shiva temple complex in Ambernath was progressing. He also cited infrastructure upgrades at Malanggad and Durgaadi Fort Temple as examples of the government’s focus on preserving religious heritage.Shinde further revealed that a large religious tourism corridor is being planned across the constituency to connect key pilgrimage centres and improve facilities for devotees.Pod Taxi Demand for Kalyan-DombivliDuring the programme, Shinde urged the chief minister to introduce a Pod Taxi network in the Kalyan-Dombivli region, citing rapid urbanisation and increasing transport needs. Drawing parallels with the proposed Pod Taxi project in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, he said such a system would significantly improve last-mile connectivity by linking railway stations, Metro corridors and residential areas.According to Shinde, the project could become a major component of the region’s future urban transport network and support the vision of developing Kalyan-Dombivli into a modern and smart urban centre.
