BJP MP Medha Kulkarni ‘purifies’ spot in Shaniwadwada where ‘namaz’ was offered | Pune News

Before leading the march, Kulkarni had tweeted, “We will not allow ‘namaz’ in Shaniwarwada, Hindu community has now become awakened…Chalo Shaniwarwada.”

Speaking to The Indian Express on Sunday evening, Kulkarni said, “We performed Shiv Vandana and did purification of the spot where the namaz was offered…To protest against the incident and to ensure that Pune’s social harmony is not disturbed, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organised a protest and demanded police action in this matter.”

Asked whether the spot had become “impure” after some Muslim women offered namaz, Kulkarni said, “Shaniwarwada is an ASI protected historical monument. It is a symbol of Hindavi Swaraj set up by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We cannot allow anyone to offer namaz here. It is not a mosque.”

Flagging about an ‘illegal religious structure’ outside the Shaniwarwada, Kulkarni said if one wants to offer namaz in this manner, then Hindus should also be allowed to perform ‘aarti’ in masjids or in Taj Mahal.

Political parties, including Ajit Pawar-led NCP, strongly condemned Kulkarni and demanded action against her.

“Some Muslim women offered prayers inside Shaniwarwada after which some BJP members went there and ‘purified’ the spot with cow urine. These people should remember that even Mastani had stayed in Shaniwarwada. Kulkarni probably is not aware that Peshwe ”sardars” removed the flag of Hindavi Swaraj atop the Shaniwarwada and hoisted the Union Jack,” said Sachin Sawant, senior spokesperson of the Maharashtra Congress.

Sawant said the BJP MP is also protesting against the ‘dargah’ outside Shaniwarwada. ”When the Peshwas had no problem, what is her problem ?…What will she do with the air that touches the ‘dargah’ and then reaches her…Is she going to purify her nose as well?” asked Sawant.

The Pune Congress said they will also soon hold a protest against the Rajya Sabha MP. ”Ahead of the civic elections, this is nothing but an attempt to polarise the Hindu voters. BJP raises such issues deliberately ahead of elections. BJP wants people to react to such issues and galvanise Hindu voters,” said Congress’s Pune president Arvind Shinde.

Shinde said as for the presence of ‘dargah,’ it has been there in front of Shaniwarwada for ages. ”It is in existence from the Peshwe period and the Archaeological Survey of India has given permission for it,” he said.

Criticising Kulkarni, NCP’s working president Rupali Thombare said,”A police complaint should be filed against the Kulkarni for creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims and that too at the time of Diwali, disturbing the social atmosphere in Pune.. It is important that she be immediately restrained from indulging in such actions.”

AAP spokesperson Mukund Kirdat said, “This seems to be a clear attempt to polarise Hindu voters just ahead of local civic body polls. This action to create bitterness among communities, especially during a festival like Diwali, is condemnable.”