Maharashtra: Hindutva Groups Demand Removal of Unauthorized Dargah in Pune.

Pune Dargah Controversy: Hindutva Groups Demand Removal of Unauthorized Structure within 15 days.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Pune | Aug 5, 2025 – A heated controversy has erupted in Pune’s Mukundanagar area over the presence of the Hazrat Dum Dum Shah Ali Baba Dargah, with Hindutva organizations demanding its removal, citing unauthorized encroachment on public land.

The dispute escalated on Saturday when Hindutva groups, including BJP MLA Yogesh Tilekar, staged a vigorous agitation at Laxmi Narayan Chowk last Saurday (Aug 2, 2025), demanding the dargah’s removal. The protesters chanted loud slogans, and MLA Tilekar warned that if the dargah isn’t removed within 15 days, a Maruti temple will be built on the site.

Police Response

The police responded by deploying seven vans and barricading the roads around the dargah to prevent any untoward incidents. Several protesters were arrested during the agitation.

Counter-Protest

Meanwhile, Muslim and Dalit organizations staged a counter-agitation in front of the dargah, highlighting the area’s long-standing religious harmony.

Background

The controversy centers around the alleged unauthorized construction of the dargah on public land. Hindutva groups claim that such structures like Dargah and Mazar are part of a larger pattern of “land jihad” aimed at Islamizing Hindu areas through palliative services.

Community Reaction

Residents of Mukundanagar have expressed concerns about the protests, calling them politically motivated and unnecessary. They have lived alongside the dargah for years without issues.

Administration’s Response

The Pune Municipal Corporation has not issued an official statement on the matter yet. The administration has been given an ultimatum to remove the dargah, failing which the Hindutva groups have threatened to take further action.

The controversy has sparked debate about communal polarization ahead of local body elections in Pune. The situation remains tense, with both sides dug in on their positions.
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__Agency Inputs.