A huge political row has erupted in Pune after a viral video showed some women members of the Muslim community offering Nazam inside Pune’s iconic Shaniwar Wada fort, and a team of BJP leaders led by MP Medha Kulkarni later ‘purifying’ the area.
The incident at the fort reportedly took place on Saturday, following which an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer filed a complaint with Pune City Police. A case was filed against the group of women who have not yet been identified. The viral clip angered Hindu organisations which carried out a protest march led by the BJP MP at the fort.
A video shows the leaders conducting a ‘purfication’ by cleaning the spot where the women offered Nazam with ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) and performing Shiv Vandana.
According to Kulkarni, the incident is “a matter of concern and outrage for every Punekar”.
“This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved,” she said.
The police have increased the security at the fort and are investigating the incident, officials said.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also condemned the incident, saying, “Shaniwarwada has a history. It is a symbol of bravery. Shaniwarwada is close to the Hindu community. If Hindus recite Hanuman Chalisa in Haji Ali, won’t the sentiments of Muslims be hurt? Go to the mosque and offer namaz. If Hanuman Chalisa and Aarti are performed in Haji Ali, then these people should not be offended.”
The BJP’s action drew sharp criticism from the Opposition Mahayuti alliance.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombre asked the police to file a case against Kulkarni for trying to incite communal tension. The NCP spokesperson said that Kulkarni was raising the issue of Hindu versus Muslim, while both communities live together in harmony in Pune.
Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe targeted Kulkarni, saying that Shaniwar Wada is a protected building of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has its own rules and regulations that must be followed. He said that the state police and district collector should take action if rules are violated, and that “no one should be under the misconception that they are the government.”