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Pune, Oct 21 (IANS) A major political controversy erupted on Tuesday after a group of Hindu organizations led by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni organized a “purification ceremony” at the historic Shaniwar Wada. The trigger was a viral video showing Muslim women offering namaz at the ASI-protected monument at Shaniwar Wada in Pune.
“The Namaz offering venue at Shaniwar Wada was purified along with Shiva Vandana along with the Hindu brothers. The revelation that Namaz was offered recently at the historic Shaniwar Wada, witness to the golden moments of the Maratha Empire, is extremely derogatory. To protest this act and demand action against the elements attempting to disrupt the social harmony of Pune, a demonstration was organized on behalf of the entire Hindu community. Condemning the incident While demanding action against the culprits. On this occasion, with the Hindu brothers present, Shiva Vandana was performed to purify the place where the namaz was offered,” Kulkarni said.
He further said, “Shaniwar Wada is a historical site. It is a symbol of our victory, from where the Maratha Empire expanded from Attock to Cuttack. If anyone comes here and offers namaz, we will not tolerate it. It is important for Hindus to unite against such incidents in future and it is our duty to preserve the Hindu culture, Hindu traditions and the glorious history of Hindus.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from his government’s ally NCP, which has accused him of disturbing communal harmony. Opposition leaders like Abu Azmi and Waris Pathan have also condemned the role of BJP. Police have been deployed, but no crime has been registered yet, although a complaint was filed by the ASI against the praying women.
Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane also condemned the incident of offering namaz at the fort, saying, “Shaniwar Wada has a history. It is a symbol of bravery. Shaniwar Wada is close to the Hindu community. If Hindus recite Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali, will the sentiments of Muslims not be hurt? Go to the mosque and offer namaz. If there is Hanuman Chalisa and aarti.” These people should not be angry if we protest in Haji Ali.”
However, Ajit Pawar-led NCP spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombre criticized BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and the ‘purification ceremony’ and urged the police to register a case against her for trying to “incite communal tension”.
“She is raising the issue of Hindu versus Muslim, even though both the communities live in harmony in Pune,” Thombre said.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan accused the BJP of “destroying secularism and pluralism” of India. “They are only spreading hatred. If 3-4 Muslim women offered Namaz at one place on Friday, what problem did it cause? We never objected when Hindus perform Garba in trains or airports. Monuments protected by ASI are for everyone. 3 minutes of Namaz troubled you so much. But Article 25 of the Constitution provides the right to religious freedom. So, how much hatred will you spread? You need to purify your mind, your brain. Should. Nurture hatred,” he said.
According to Pune Police sources, a case has been registered against a group of unidentified women who offered namaz at the fort based on the complaint of an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer.
Police have also increased security at the fort. Police said religious prayers were offered inside the ASI protected monument at Shaniwar Wada and they will take action based on the complaint. He further said that adequate security will be provided at the fort. Police sources said there would have been no security lapse, they would not have allowed anyone to go over any of the ASI railings or inside the premises.
–IANS
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