A wave of emotion has swept across Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district as locals launch a widespread boycott of Reliance Jio in protest over the relocation of their cherished temple elephant, Mahadevi, also known as Madhuri. The 36-year-old elephant, who had spent most of her life at a Jain Math in Nandani village, was recently moved to a wildlife sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, under court orders prioritizing animal welfare over religious sentiment.
For many in Kolhapur, Mahadevi was far more than just an animal—she was a symbol of spiritual identity, affection, and local pride. Her sudden transfer, following a Supreme Court decision on July 28, has left villagers feeling betrayed and voiceless.
Animal rights organization PETA India had earlier raised alarms about Mahadevi’s deteriorating health, including arthritis, mental stress, and physical neglect stemming from years of captivity. Veterinary reports supported their claims, ultimately leading the Bombay High Court to order her rehabilitation. Despite appeals from the Math and local residents, the country’s highest court upheld the ruling, stating that the elephant’s right to a healthy life must prevail.
The fallout has been swift. Thousands of residents, deeply hurt by the move and its perceived connection to the Ambani-owned Vantara sanctuary, have taken to social media to express their anguish. What began as online protest soon turned into a physical boycott—villagers began mass-porting their Jio SIMs to competing services like Airtel and Vodafone Idea. In regions like Shirol, local mobile distributors confirmed more than 2,500 Jio SIM switches within days, with some unofficial estimates suggesting up to 10,000 across the district.
Anger has extended beyond telecom. Protesters have also called for boycotting other Ambani-owned businesses, from petrol stations to retail outlets, turning the protest into a broader expression of resistance against corporate influence over religious and cultural matters.
For the authorities and judiciary, however, the focus remains on Mahadevi’s welfare. Investigations revealed troubling practices at her former home, including illegal public parading and reports linking the elephant to a fatal incident involving a temple priest in 2017. The Jamnagar sanctuary, chosen by court-appointed committees, is now responsible for her care—providing medical treatment, open enclosures, and companionship with other elephants.
Representatives from Vantara have clarified that they did not request the elephant’s transfer and are simply fulfilling a judicial mandate. Still, the outrage in Kolhapur shows no signs of fading. Hunger strikes, marches, and public appeals for Mahadevi’s return continue, with local political figures voicing support for the villagers.
At its heart, this protest is not just about an elephant—it’s about identity, faith, and the growing tension between tradition and modern principles of compassion. While Mahadevi begins a new life of healing in Jamnagar, her story has sparked a rare and passionate movement, one that may redefine how India balances culture with conscience.
