He prayed to Lord Vitthal for abundant rain in the state that would help farmers, a statement from Shinde's office said

The CM performed the puja along with his wife Lata Shinde

As a long-standing tradition, the chief minister of Maharashtra offers prayers at the famous temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi every year

Warkari couple Balu Ahire and Ashabai, hailing from Nashik, performed the ritual alongside CM Shinde in the early hours of Wednesday

Lakhs of 'warkaris' (devotees of Lord Vitthal) congregated in Pandhapur from different parts of Maharashtra and neighbouring states for the celebration