There was an uproar after the video of Muslim women offering Namaz in Pune’s Shaniwar Wada went viral. BJP MP Medha Kulkarni protested and did ‘purification’ with cow urine. Tension spread after the clash between police and workers.
There was a stir in the politics of Maharashtra after the video of some Muslim women offering Namaz in the historic Shaniwar Wada of Pune surfaced. BJP MP Medha Kulkarni reacted sharply to this video which went viral on social media and called it an “insult to historical heritage”. Kulkarni called for a massive protest on Sunday, following which tension spread in the Shaniwar Wada complex.
Video of Namaz goes viral, politics flares up
In the video that surfaced on Saturday, six to seven Muslim women were seen offering namaz by spreading mats on the upper floor of Shaniwar Wada. At the same time tourists and children were roaming around. As soon as this video went viral on social media, a heated debate started between Hindu organizations and political parties.
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Medha Kulkarni’s protest: “Namaz will not be held in Wada on Saturday”
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni shared this video on He announced a protest in front of Kasba police post at 4 pm on Sunday.
‘Purification’ in Shaniwar Wada: Sprayed with cow urine and dung
On Sunday, under the leadership of Medha Kulkarni, workers of hundreds of Hindu organizations reached Shaniwar Wada. Here, ‘purification’ was done by sprinkling cow urine and cow dung at the place of namaz and Shiva was worshipped. The protesters raised slogans like “Shaniwar Wada is ours” and “This is the pride of the Peshwas”.
Clash between police and protesters, many people injured
As the crowd increased, the atmosphere became tense. Police tried to stop the protesting workers, but a clash broke out during the demonstration near Hazrat Khawaja Syed Dargah outside Shaniwar Wada. Many workers were injured and the police had to use mild force.
DCP said “Saturday Wada is under the protection of ASI”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishnakesh Rawale said that Shaniwar Wada is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He said that further action will be taken after discussion with the department. After a few hours of effort, the police brought the situation under control.
Kulkarni’s statement “This is a symbol of Shivaji Maharaj, not a mosque.”
MP Medha Kulkarni said, “Shanivar Wada is the historical identity of Maharashtra. No religious event of any religion should be held here. This place is a symbol of Hindavi Swarajya established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not a mosque.” He said that his protest is not against any religion, but to protect the tradition and history of Maharashtra.
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