Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra MLC Manisha Kayande on Wednesday claimed "urban Naxals" have infiltrated the holy Ashadhi wari annual pilgrimage to the temple town of Pandharpur and are attempting to mislead 'warkaris' (devotees of Lord Vitthal), reported news agency PTI.

Raising the issue in the Legislative Council, Kayande, a nominated member of the Upper House, urged the Mahayuti government to take immediate action to preserve the sanctity of the wari.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, said the government has taken cognisance of the matter raised by the MLC and appropriate directions will be issued to the home department for an inquiry.