Religious Controversy Erupts as BJP MP "Purifies" Historic Pune Fort After Muslim Women Offer Namaz

A significant political controversy has emerged in Pune after BJP MP Medha Kulkarni led a group of Hindu organizations in conducting a "purification ceremony" at the historic Shaniwar Wada fort. The ceremony was performed after a video went viral showing Muslim women offering Namaz at the site.

The footage captured the leaders performing a 'purification' ritual by cleaning the area where the women had offered Namaz with 'gaumutra' (cow urine) and conducting Shiv Vandana prayers.

Kulkarni stated that the incident at the iconic Pune fort, a symbol of the Maratha empire, represented 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. We performed Shiv Vandana at Shaniwarwada and purified the place. We tried to hoist a saffron flag but the officials stopped us. These people offer namaz at any place and then add it to the Waqf property. The Hindu community is vigilant," she explained.

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also voiced his disapproval of the Namaz offering at the fort, 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 MP's actions faced strong criticism from Opposition leaders. Rupali Patil Thombre, spokesperson for Ajit Pawar's NCP, urged police to file a case against Kulkarni for attempting to "incite communal tension." Thombre stated, "She is raising the issue of Hindu versus Muslim, while both communities live together in harmony in Pune."

AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan accused the BJP of "destroying the secularism and pluralism" of India.

"They are only spreading hatred. If 3-4 Muslim women offered namaz at one location on jummah, then what trouble did it cause? We never objected when Hindus do garba in trains or at airports. ASI-protected monuments are for everyone. A 3-minute namaz troubled you so much. But Article 25 of the Constitution provides Right to Freedom of Religion. So, how much hatred will you spread? You should purify your mind, the mind that harbours hatred," he remarked.

Regarding police action, authorities have filed a case against the unidentified women who offered Namaz at the fort based on a complaint from an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer.

Security has been increased at the fort following the incident.

"Religious prayers were offered inside the ASI-protected monument in Shaniwar Wada. Whatever complaint is filed, we will take further action based on the complaint of the ASI officials and employees, as per their complaint. This is an ASI-protected monument. We will act as per the ASI's requirements. We will definitely provide security, there will be no lapse in security. We have not allowed anyone inside any of the ASI's railings or compounds. We will always maintain this stance. We will take action based on the complaint filed by the ASI," police officials stated.