Pune: The Sant Tukaram Palkhi procession arrived in Baramati on Saturday (July 6). The evening aarti took place at Sharda Prangan in Baramati, attracting thousands of devotees. This annual evening aarti, part of the Dehu to Pandharpur pilgrimage, is known for being the largest and most unique, drawing devotees from Baramati and surrounding districts.

For the first time, two Members of Parliament attended the evening aarti. Notably, Pratibha Pawar, wife of senior leader Sharad Pawar, attended the aarti for the first time.

Newly elected Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar were also present. When Sunetra Pawar arrived, she stood in the lower area where the palkhi is placed. She remained there.

After Supriya Sule arrived, she went to the stage at Sharda Prangan, greeted the crowd, and mingled with the women and male pilgrims, engaging in conversation.

A while later, the palkhi was brought in and positioned, with Sunetra Pawar still standing below. Supriya Sule stayed on the stage, and shortly after, Pratibha Pawar joined.

When it was time for the aarti, Sunetra Pawar asked Supriya Sule to come down and perform it. However, Supriya Sule, noting the large crowd below, requested Sunetra Pawar to conduct the aarti instead. Sunetra Pawar accepted the honor and performed the aarti.

Three-time Member of Parliament Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction from Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency had secured victory by 1,58,333 votes over her cousin's spouse, Sunetra Pawar, also from the NCP.

This election was notable as it was the first instance where two members of the prominent Pawar family competed against one another in this constituency, which held its elections on May 7, with a voter participation rate of 59.50 per cent.