Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has written to Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal requesting support in supplying five gas cylinders each to 16 Jain temples in his Malabar Hill constituency. The demand has been made in view of the Jain religious observance of Oli (Ayambil), which takes place once during the Chaitra month and holds special importance for the community.
During this festival, temples prepare a traditional drink called ambil and distribute it among devotees as part of the rituals. As the preparation is carried out on a large scale across multiple temples, each temple requires five gas cylinders to meet the demand. Hence, the minister has sought assistance to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the smooth conduct of the religious event.
The letter has triggered a controversy, with some raising questions over alleged favoritism. Responding to the criticism, Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated that he has not shown any preferential treatment to a particular community. He added that he has supported various events in his constituency, including Ram Navami and Sai Baba bhandaras, and will continue to do so, emphasizing that addressing local issues is his duty as an elected representative.