Chulha Protest in Pune: Shiv Sena Women Take on Inflation with Fire and Flour
Kasba Peth, 10th April 2025: In a demonstration against the rising prices of domestic LPG cylinders, women from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) staged a protest in Pune’s Kasba Peth on Thursday by lighting a traditional stove (chulha) and baking rotis on the street. The protest was organized to highlight the impact of inflation on middle- and lower-income households.
With slogans like “Abki Baar Mahangaai Ki Sarkar” and “Inflation Shock, a Blow to Beloved Sisters,” the demonstrators criticized the BJP-led central government for failing to control inflation and for burdening common citizens with steep price hikes. Protesters also displayed posters of BJP leader Smriti Irani, questioning her silence now, compared to when she had previously protested a gas price hike during the UPA regime.
“The BJP came to power promising relief, but since 2014, they’ve only given people inflation and division,” said Sanjay More, Pune city chief of Shiv Sena (UBT). “Instead of addressing the real issues affecting people, the government is busy spreading communal hatred. The rising cost of living has now reached the poor man’s kitchen.”
The protest saw participation from a large number of party workers, including city leaders and members of Shiv Sena’s Mahila Aghadi and Yuva Sena. Among those present were Gajanan Tharkude, Rambhau Parikh, Aba Nikam, Umesh Wagh, Rajendra Shinde, Santosh Gopal, Makarand Pethkar, and Anant Gharat, among others. Women leaders such as Amrit Pathare, Salma Bhatkar, Rohini Kolhal, Sunita Khandalkar, and Gauri Chavan also played a prominent role.
The protest drew attention from local residents and commuters, with many echoing the concerns raised by the demonstrators about the soaring cost of essential commodities.
