After his controversial statement regarding the Pandharpur Wari, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi came under fire from across the state. Many Warkari organizations and social institutions condemned his statement and expressed their displeasure. After this, Abu Azmi has now apologized for his statement and expressed regret and clarified that he did not intend to hurt anyone's religious sentiments.
Posting on social media, he said, "The words I mentioned regarding the Wari tradition were only to draw attention to the government's double standards. If my statement has hurt the sentiments of the Warkari community, I withdraw my words and sincerely apologize."
Azmi has also honored and glorified the Wari tradition. He said, “Wari is a proud part of Maharashtra’s rich cultural and spiritual tradition. I myself respect that tradition.” According to him, he mentioned the Wari palanquin to avoid creating a feeling of discrimination in relation to the Muslim community.
He further said, “My intention was not to make any comparison, but to draw attention to the discriminatory policy of the government. We will continue to fight for the rights of the community, but will never allow the unity of the country to be disturbed.” Meanwhile, while talking to the media in Solapur, Abu Azmi had stated that, “Even though the roads get blocked due to the Warkari Wari, we have never complained, but if we stop on the road to offer namaz, there is talk of action against Muslims.” A big controversy arose after his statement.