Kolhapur | Correspondent

A strong public movement has emerged in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district demanding the return of elephant Mahadevi to the Nandani Math, after she was relocated to Vantara, a wildlife sanctuary set up by industrialist Mukesh Ambani in Gujarat. The elephant, revered by locals, was reportedly shifted to the private zoo to fulfill the personal interests of Ambani’s children, sparking outrage across the district.

The movement has seen participation from thousands of citizens, including leaders across party lines, who are vocally opposing the relocation. Satej Patil, Congress Legislative Council group leader, has initiated a signature campaign demanding that Mahadevi be brought back to the Nandani Math. The campaign has received an overwhelming response, with large numbers of citizens signing the appeal. Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Mane also expressed support for the cause and announced that he would raise the matter in Parliament.

In a scathing remark, MP Mane criticized the decision by asking, “Why not send stray dogs to Vantara? Hundreds of stray dogs roam our villages in miserable conditions. Shouldn’t they be taken care of instead?” His comments pointed to what he called a misguided prioritization in the name of wildlife protection.

MLA Vinay Kore also strongly objected to the move, stating that the Forest Department has a questionable track record. He recalled a similar case where an elephant from the Jyotiba temple was relocated under official orders, but both the elephant and its caretaker died within three years. “That incident was never made public,” Kore added, hinting at cover-ups and negligence.

The controversy escalated into a wider public backlash, especially in Shirala taluka, where citizens have decided to boycott all Reliance products in protest. This includes a mass porting of Jio SIM cards, with thousands of users shifting their mobile services to other providers in solidarity with the movement.

The origin of the conflict lies in an objection raised by animal rights organization PETA, which opposed Mahadevi’s stay at the Math. The matter went to court, where a ruling favored her transfer to the Vantara Wildlife Center in Gujarat. However, when the forest department’s team arrived in Nandani village to enforce the court order, they faced intense resistance from locals.

Thousands of villagers took to the streets to protest, blocked the convoy, and in some instances, pelted stones at the vehicles. Despite the resistance, the team, backed by law enforcement, forcibly took Mahadevi into custody and transported her to the sanctuary.

The incident has triggered deep resentment across Kolhapur, raising questions not only about animal rights vs. religious and cultural traditions, but also about the influence of corporate power over public sentiment. Protesters argue that Mahadevi was not mistreated at the Math and that her removal was unjustified, especially to a private project run by a corporate entity.

As the agitation gains momentum, all eyes are now on the state and central governments to respond to the demands of thousands who are rallying to bring Mahadevi back to where they believe she truly belongs.

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