Madhi village bars non-Hindu vendors from yatra

The gram panchayat of Madhi village has revised its resolution to bar vendors who do not follow "Hindu rituals and traditions" from participating in the Kanifnath Maharaj Yatra. This change comes after a previous resolution, which explicitly targeted Muslim vendors, was stayed by the district administration and the Bombay High Court. The new resolution was passed just before the yatra began, with 327 votes in favor. Village sarpanch Sanjay Markad stated that only those respecting Hindu customs would be allowed to set up stalls. No applications from Muslim vendors were received this year, as many reportedly feared exclusion. The block development officer confirmed awareness of the new resolution but has not yet received an official copy. Previous resolutions were invalidated due to procedural issues, including the involvement of non-residents in decision-making. Human rights organizations have called the panchayat's actions illegal and discriminatory.