A major controversy broke out in Pune, Maharashtra, after a video showing a group of Muslim women offering namaz inside the historic Shaniwar Wada fort went viral on social media. The video, shared by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, sparked protests from Hindu organisations, who objected to prayers being offered at what they termed a “heritage and non-religious site.”
The incident, which occurred at one of Pune’s most iconic Maratha-era monuments, led to demonstrations by members of Patit Pavan Sanghatna and several other Hindu groups, who accused the visitors of showing disrespect to a national heritage monument.
Nitesh Rane defends protesters
Amid the escalating row, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane came out in support of the protesters, questioning whether similar acts by Hindus would be tolerated at Islamic religious sites.
“If you want to offer namaz there, will you be fine with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting Hanuman Chalisa? Will your sentiments not be hurt?” Rane asked while speaking to reporters.
He further said that offering prayers should be restricted to designated religious places, and the Hindu workers who objected to the act had done the right thing.
“One should offer prayers only at places meant for them. If Hindu workers raised their voice, it is correct,” Rane said.
Medha Kulkarni leads protest, calls for action
BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, who first shared the viral video on X (formerly Twitter), also led protests outside Shaniwar Wada. She described the act of offering namaz at the site as “unfortunate” and “inappropriate.”
शनिवार वाड्यात नमाज पठण चालणार नाही, हिंदू समाज आता जागृत झाला आहे ! 🚩🚩
🚩चलो शनिवार वाडा! 🚩
रविवार, 19 ऑक्टोबर 2025
📍 शनिवार वाडा, कसबा पोलीस चौकीसमोर
🕓 सायंकाळी 4 वाजता
—
🔥 पुण्याचे वैभव – शनिवार वाडा
ऐतिहासिक वारसा स्थळ की गैर हिंदू प्रार्थना स्थळ?
सारसबाग येथे… pic.twitter.com/EObcXMZ6Rt— Dr. Medha Kulkarni (@Medha_kulkarni) October 19, 2025
“This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved,” she told reporters during the protest.
Following the demonstrations, protesters, joined by activists from various Hindu organisations, performed a “purification ritual” at the site, claiming to restore its sanctity.
‘Purification’ sparks further controversy
According to a report by PTI, the protesters sprinkled cow urine at the site and performed ‘Shiv Vandana’, a Hindu prayer dedicated to Lord Shiva, as part of what they described as an effort to “purify” the area where the namaz had been offered.
The act drew sharp criticism from several quarters, particularly Muslim leaders, who termed it an attempt to insult their faith.
Reacting strongly, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi condemned the move, calling it an act of deliberate provocation and disrespect.
“The BJP MP who cleaned the place where namaz was offered in Pune should fear Allah, or whatever name she uses for the Almighty; she should fear Him,” Azmi told ANI.
His statement further intensified the political debate over religious tolerance and the limits of protest in public spaces.
Police, ASI to review the incident
Amid the escalating tensions, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Krushikesh Rawale said that the area falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the authorities will take appropriate measures after consulting with the ASI.
“We will speak to the ASI and take further action after that,” Rawale said, noting that the site is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
The police have reportedly increased surveillance at the site to prevent further confrontations or communal flare-ups.
Shaniwar Wada: Symbol of Maratha pride and heritage
Built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Confederacy until 1818. Once a grand architectural marvel of the Maratha Empire, much of it was destroyed in a massive fire in 1828.
Today, it stands as one of Pune’s most visited heritage sites, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is often regarded as a symbol of Maratha pride and history, hosting thousands of tourists and cultural events every year.
