Mumbai: Proponents of the tradition prohibiting women access to the sanctum of Shani temple in Shingnapur appear divided on proposed mediation of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to break the deadlock arising out of a protest by a women's outfit seeking end to the gender bias.

Opposing the mediation, 'Shaneshwar Devasthan Bachao Kruti Samiti' president Sambhajiraje Patil today said the Samiti and villagers of Shingnapur do not approve such offer as Ravishankar "is not aware of the religious practices and customs...it is a political ploy".