India, April 12 -- NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's remark about regressive elements infiltrating the Warkari sect has invoked sharp reactions from the Mahayuti and right-wing groups. Pawar, in an interview in a souvenir published before the 'All India Marathi Literary Conference of Women Officers in Government' being held in Delhi, said that 60% of Warkaris had started toeing the communal line and speaking in a language that would buttress communalism in the state.

The veteran politician said that unfortunately, Warkari female preachers too were going down this route. "The number of women preachers promoting regressive ideas is rising," he said. "We have started preparing a list of such people who spread this agenda. Only 40% of those in t...