Amidst growing public outcry in Kolhapur over the relocation of the elephant Mahadevi, also known as Madhuri, to a rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified the state government's position. He stated that the decision to transfer the elephant was mandated by the Bombay High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court, with the state government only submitting a report through the forest department.

Mahadevi had been living with the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswamy Sanstha in Nandani, Kolhapur, for over three decades. However, concerns raised by animal rights organizations about her welfare led to the court's intervention. The Bombay High Court, in its order on July 16, noted that Mahadevi was kept in chains and solitary confinement, leading to poor physical and mental health. Subsequently, the Supreme Court, on July 28, directed that she be moved to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, managed by Vantara, within two weeks.

Vantara clarified that their involvement was solely to care for Mahadevi's health and well-being as per the Supreme Court's directives and that they never intended to take permanent custody of her.

Acknowledging the strong local sentiments and protests against the relocation, Chief Minister Fadnavis convened urgent meetings with MLAs, MPs, and stakeholders to explore legal options for bringing Mahadevi back to Kolhapur. He emphasized the government's respect for public feelings and their commitment to examining possibilities for her return. The Maharashtra government decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court, requesting the court to appoint an independent committee to investigate the matter.

Fadnavis also announced that Vantara has offered to build a rehabilitation center for Mahadevi in Kolhapur, near Nandani, at a location selected by the Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra. Vantara expressed their willingness to support the petition filed by the Jain Math in the Supreme Court for Mahadevi's return to Kolhapur. This initiative is seen as a humane and collaborative effort to resolve the issue.

The relocation of Mahadevi sparked widespread protests in Kolhapur and surrounding areas. Residents expressed their grief and opposition to the transfer, with some launching campaigns to boycott Jio and Reliance products. Former MP Raju Shetti alleged that PETA had misled the government and the court.

Despite the emotional attachment and traditions associated with Mahadevi, some have emphasized the importance of prioritizing the elephant's health and well-being. Concerns about Mahadevi's condition in Kolhapur prompted the court's intervention in the first place.