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New Delhi: BJP's Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Medha Kulkarni, on Sunday led Hindutva activists to Shaniwarwada in Pune and ‘purified’ the spot with cow urine after some Muslim women offered namaz there. The incident has sparked a massive controversy with the opposition parties accusing the MP of disrupting social harmony.
A video of Muslims offering namaz on the Shaniwarwada complex became viral on social media platforms, triggering backlash from Kulkarni and her supporters. Kulkarni and other Hindutva activists performed a 'purification' ceremony there, prompting criticism from the opposition and also allied parties. Also, she said, ”If the Muslims are offering namaz inside a historical place like Shaniwarwada, then Hindus should also be allowed to perform aarti in mosques.”
The NCP, an ally of the BJP headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, demanded that a police case be filed against her for instigating communal disharmony. On Monday, NCP members protested against Kulkarni outside Shaniwarwada. The party's spokesperson, Rupali Thombare, said, “There was no need for Kulkarni to protest over some Muslim women offering namaz in Shaniwarwada.”
She added, "Kulkarni claims that the sentiments of Hindus were hurt, but I want to tell her that we are also Hindus, and our sentiments were not at all hurt, as we believe in inclusivity. In fact, a case should be filed against her for disturbing the peace and harmony of Pune.”
Shiv Sena has also slammed Kulkarni, with senior party leader Neelam Gorhe saying that while Muslim women should avoid offering prayers at ASI's site, nobody should take the law into their hands. She added, “If the rules are violated, there are authorities like the police commissioner or a collector to take action against those people. Some people should not behave as if they are running the entire government."
Congress has slammed the BJP leader over the issue. Atul Londhe, chief spokesperson of Maharashtra Congress, said, “At a time when farmers in Marathawada have been hit hard by floods and there’s a need to help them tide over this crisis, Kulkarni is trying to divert the attention of the people by indulging in hate-mongering.”
