Politics Heats Up Over Offering Namaz At Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort, 3 Women Booked.

Allegations of Land Jihad in Shivaji-Peshwa Killa.

Maharashtra: 3 Women Booked After Video Goes Viral Showing Namaz Being Offered Inside Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Pune | Oct 22, 2025:: A controversy erupted in Pune’s Shaniwar Wada after a video showed Muslim women offering namaz inside the historic ASI-protected monument, sparking protests and a police complaint. BJP MP in Rajya Sabha Medha Kulkarni led the protests, performing a “purification ceremony” with cow urine and Shiv Vandana, claiming the namaz was an “outrage” and demanding strict action against those involved.

The incident has ignited a political debate, with various parties reacting differently. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane supported the Hindu workers’ response, emphasizing that prayers should be offered at designated places. “Shaniwarwada has a history. It is the symbol of our valour. It is very close to the Hindu community’s heart. 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 questioned.

On the other hand, NCP-SCP leader Prashant Jagtap criticized BJP’s “politicization,” emphasizing constitutional rights and calling Shaniwar Wada a ‘tourist place’. AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned the action, saying, “BJP is destroying the secularism and pluralism of our country. They are only spreading hatred”.

An FIR has been filed against the women under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, for allegedly violating restrictions applicable to protected monuments. Police have increased security at the site and stated they will act according to the ASI’s complaints.

Key Reactions:

– BJP MP (RS) Medha Kulkarni: Led protests, performed purification ritual, and demanded strict action against those involved.
– Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane: Supported Hindu workers’ response, emphasizing prayers should be offered at designated places.
– NCP-SCP leader Prashant Jagtap: Criticized BJP’s politicization, emphasizing constitutional rights and calling Shaniwar Wada a tourist place.
– AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan: Condemned BJP’s actions, saying they spread hatred and destroy secularism.

BJP MP (RS) Medha Kulkarni, who worked on the committee for the Waqf Bill, stated that Waqf land holdings increased from 37,000 acres post-independence to over 10 lakh acres in recent. She vehemently protested the alleged plan of “land jihad” at Shaniwar Wada Fort, a historical site associated with Shivaji Maharaj, and demanded the immediate removal of the fake Muslim Mazar (tomb) from the Pride of Peshwa. She also claimed that the Mazar was made in the fort in a subsequent time.
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_Inputs from TOI & ANI.