Pune, Oct 21 (NationPress) A significant political controversy emerged on Tuesday as a coalition of Hindu organizations, spearheaded by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni, conducted a 'purification ceremony' at the historic Shaniwar Wada. This event was sparked by a viral video depicting Muslim women performing namaz at the ASI-protected site in Pune.

“The purification was performed with Shiv Vandana at the location where Namaz was recited, alongside Hindu brothers. The recent occurrence of namaz being recited at this historic site, which witnessed the glorious moments of the Maratha Empire, is profoundly unacceptable. To protest this act and demand accountability against those disrupting Pune’s social peace, a demonstration was organized by the entire Hindu community, condemning this incident and insisting on action against the offenders. During this event, Shiv Vandana was performed to cleanse the area where the Namaz took place,” Kulkarni stated.

She elaborated, “Shaniwar Wada is a historic landmark. It represents our triumph, the nucleus from which the Maratha Empire expanded from Attock to Cuttack. If someone comes here to recite namaz, we will not stand for it. It is essential for Hindus to unite against such occurrences, and it is our responsibility to uphold Hindu culture, traditions, and the remarkable history of Hindus.”

This incident has faced strong backlash from her own coalition partner, the NCP, which accused her of disturbing communal harmony. Opposition figures like Abu Azmi and Waris Pathan have also criticized the BJP's involvement. While police have increased their presence, no formal charges have been filed yet, although a complaint was lodged by the ASI against the women who prayed.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane also denounced the act of offering Namaz at the fort, asserting, “Shaniwar Wada has a legacy. It symbolizes valor. This fort holds a special place for the Hindu community. If Hindus recite Hanuman Chalisa in Haji Ali, won't that hurt Muslim sentiments? Go to the mosque for namaz. If Hanuman Chalisa and Aarti are performed in Haji Ali, then why should these individuals be offended?”

Conversely, Rupali Patil Thombre, spokesperson for the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, criticized BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and the 'purification ceremony', calling for police action against her for trying to “incite communal discord.”

“She is framing the issue as Hindu versus Muslim, while both groups coexist peacefully in Pune,” Thombre remarked.

AIMIM spokesperson, Waris Pathan, accused the BJP of “eroding the secularism and pluralism” of India. “They are merely spreading animosity. If a handful of Muslim women offered namaz at one spot on jummah, what harm did it inflict? We have never objected when Hindus perform garba in trains or airports. ASI-protected monuments belong to everyone. A three-minute namaz upset you so much? Article 25 of the Constitution grants the Right to Freedom of Religion. How much hatred will you propagate? You should cleanse your mind, the one that harbors hatred,” he said.

As per Pune police sources, a case has been registered against a group of unidentified women who offered namaz at the fort based on a complaint from an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Police have also heightened security at the fort. They confirmed that religious prayers were conducted within the ASI-protected monument at Shaniwar Wada and stated they would respond according to the complaint. Furthermore, they assured that adequate security will be maintained at the fort, emphasizing that there would be no security lapses and that they would not allow anyone inside any ASI's railings or compounds.