Posters Mocking BJP MP Over Pune Station Renaming Demand Removed After Controversy
Pune, 25th June 2025: Posters ridiculing BJP MP Medha Kulkarni’s demand to rename Pune Railway Station after Peshwa Bajirao I sparked political tension across the city this week. The banners, installed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), were later removed following growing public backlash and concerns of potential unrest.
The posters appeared at several key locations in Pune and featured caricatures of Kulkarni, referring to her as “Tai from Kothrud.” One of the sarcastic captions read, “If you’re so keen on renaming places, why not rename Budhwar Peth as Mastani Peth?” — a pointed dig referencing Bajirao’s companion, Mastani. The posters also displayed images of Shiv Sena (UBT) Pune Division Chief Mukund Chavan and Deputy Division Chief Girish Gaikwad.
Kulkarni had earlier urged the Centre to consider naming the redeveloped Pune Railway Station after Peshwa Bajirao I. In an interview with TV9 Marathi, she cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of assigning historical relevance to key infrastructure projects, stating that Pune’s legacy should be reflected in such landmarks.
In response, the Shiv Sena (UBT) used satirical visuals to oppose the proposal. However, as the posters began circulating widely and drew criticism from various quarters, they were quietly taken down—either by party workers or local authorities—to avoid further controversy.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party of India (RPI) National President Sachin Kharaat also objected to the proposal. He advocated for naming the station after Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, highlighting Phule’s groundbreaking contributions to social reform, including rediscovering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi, initiating Shiv Jayanti celebrations, and pioneering education for women and marginalized communities.
