A viral video showing Muslim women offering namaz at the historic fort of Shaniwar Wada in Pune sparked a political row, with BJP MP Medha Kulkarni performing a “purification ceremony” with cow urine and holding a demonstration to protest the “outrageous” act.
On October 19, a BJP MP shared a viral clip and wrote, “Shaniwar Wada will not hold namaz recitation, Hindu community has woken up!”
Urging supporters to gather at the iconic fort – a symbol of the Maratha Empire – Kulkarni asked, “Historical heritage site or non-Hindu place of worship?”
She went on to say that the incident shown in the viral clip was a “matter of concern and outrage” for the people of Pune.
Later on Saturday, after a “purification ceremony”, Kulkarni led a demonstration against what she described as an attempt to inflame communal tension.
“The recent revelation of Namaz recitation at the historic Shaniwar Wada, a witness to the golden moments of the Maratha Empire, is extremely outrageous,” a BJP MP posted on X along with photos of the protest.
“To protest this act and to demand action against the elements trying to disrupt social harmony in Pune, a demonstration was organized on behalf of the entire Hindu community to condemn this incident and demand action against the culprits,” she said.
“In future, it is necessary for Hindus to unite against such incidents and it is our duty to protect Hindu culture, Hindu traditions and glorious Hindu history,” Kulkarni said.
Rane advocates a protest against the recitation of namaz
Even as the nationalist Congress party accused the BJP of trying to inflame tensions, MLA Nitesh Rane came to the defense of the protesters.
“If you want to offer namaz there, will you be okay with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting Hanuman Chalisa? Won’t that hurt your feelings?” Rane asked while speaking to reporters.
“One should pray only at places designated for them. If Hindu workers have raised their voice, it is right,” the BJP leader added.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the three unidentified women in the viral video on the complaint of an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official.
The case was booked under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959 for alleged violation of protocols applicable to protected monuments.
