Koli community protests vehemently against Mayabhai Ahir's management at Bagdana Guruaashram

The Bagdana Guruaashram, a centre of faith located in Bhavnagar district, is currently embroiled in a storm of social discontent and controversies. According to a report by ABP Asmita, leaders of the Koli community and a large number of people gathered to level serious allegations against the Board of Trustees. The community has sent a memorandum to the trust containing a total of 14 points, the primary demand being that the stage management of the upcoming 50th death anniversary programme of Sant Bajrangdas Bapa should not be entrusted to folk writer Mayabhai Ahir.

Expressing anger over the matter, Koli community leader Kalubhai Jambucha stated that at the Bhaguda Mataji temple managed by Mayabhai Ahir, the chants of 'Jai Bajrangdas Bapa' are never heard. There is significant resentment within the community regarding this issue. Additionally, the issue of a lack of local representation in the ashram was also raised. The Koli community demands that a person from the local Koli community must definitely be included in the Board of Trustees of Bagdana Guruaashram.

A major cause of the controversy is the alleged irregularity in land purchase. According to Kalubhai Jambucha, the ashram purchased 44 vigha of land. The market rate for this land was not even ₹10 to ₹15 lakh per vigha, yet the trust paid a total of ₹11 crore at the rate of ₹25 lakh per vigha. Transparency has been demanded regarding this financial transaction. Along with this, the Koli community has expressed strong displeasure over the fact that the ashram is managed from Mumbai and against the alleged political interference of a BJP MLA.

The atmosphere of tension in the area intensified following an attack on Navnit Balghiya of Bagdana village a short while ago. In connection with this attack case, Jayraj Ahir, son of folk writer Mayabhai Ahir, had to go to jail, and since then, this entire matter has been under constant discussion. The current situation is such that the fire of social and administrative discontent is spreading in this holy abode of faith. Efforts were made to seek the side of the Board of Trustees of Bagdana Guruaashram regarding this entire controversy, but the trustees clearly refused to give any kind of reaction on this matter. If the trust does not provide a transparent clarification regarding these serious allegations, this controversy could become more intense in the coming days and pose a major challenge to social harmony.

Bagdana Guruaashram is the karma-bhumi of Sant Bajrangdas Bapa. Sant Bajrangdas Bapa was a popular saint who dedicated his life to human service and devotion. After his demise, this ashram became a major centre of faith for crores of devotees, where a large number of followers visit for darshan every year.