A political storm has arisen after the video of some Muslim women offering Namaz at the historic Shaniwar Wada in Pune went viral. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni shared this video on her social media handle and called for protests, calling it a case of insult to historical heritage.
On Sunday, Kulkarni along with the workers of Sakal Hindu Samaj and Patit Pavan Sangathan conducted a vigorous agitation in the Shaniwar Wada premises, in which the namaz place was ‘purified’ by sprinkling cow urine and cow dung. During this time, the atmosphere became tense due to the clash between the police and the protesters. However, later the police controlled the situation.
Actually, on Saturday Pune A video of the upper floor of Shaniwar Wada was revealed. In this video, six to seven Muslim women are offering namaz by spreading mats, while children are playing and tourists are roaming around. As soon as the video went viral, a debate broke out on social media.
Medha Kulkarni wrote on X (formerly Twitter), ‘Namaz will not be held in Wada on Saturday, Hindu society has woken up! Let’s go to Saturday Wada!’ They had announced a protest in front of Kasba police post at 4 pm on Sunday evening, where the garden was closed due to Kulkarni’s protest.
purification done with cow urine
On Sunday, under the leadership of Kulkarni, hundreds of workers of Hindu organizations reached Shaniwar Wada. They ‘purified’ the Namaz place by sprinkling cow urine and worshiping Shiva and raised slogans like Shaniwar Wada is ours, this is the pride of the Peshwas.
The workers also tried to protest near Hazrat Khwaja Syed Dargah located outside Shaniwar Wada, but the police stopped them using force. Many workers were injured in the scuffle and tension spread in the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishnakesh Rawale said that Shaniwar Wada is under the protection of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) and further action will be taken after discussion with the department. After a few hours of effort, the police brought the situation under control.
Shaniwar Wada is a historical identity
MP Medha Kulkarni said, ‘Saturday Wada Maharashtra Has historical identity. Religious programs of any religion should not be held here. After watching the video of Namaz, I contacted the Archeology Department. He told that he had immediately stopped that activity, but to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, that is why we raised our voice.
He stressed that Shaniwar Wada is a symbol of Hindavi Swarajya established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and not a mosque. BJP leaders say that this movement is not against any religion, but to protect history and tradition.
Kulkarni also referred to an ‘illegal religious structure’ outside Shaniwar Wada, saying if namaz is allowed then Hindus should get the right to perform aarti in mosques or the Taj Mahal.
NCP (SP) criticized BJP MP
Opposition parties have strongly condemned this demonstration. Ajit Pawar’s NCP has demanded registration of FIR against Kulkarni. NCP leader Rupali Thombare said, ‘Kulkarni is creating Hindu-Muslim tension. The grave has been present in Shaniwar Wada for decades, offering namaz is not a crime. This controversy is a conspiracy to polarize voters before the local body elections.
At the same time, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also called it a destroyer of communal harmony.
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Input- Aditya Deepak Bhawar
