Vidyanand Bapat Row Deepens as Dhananjay Kulkarni Announces Police Complaint Over ‘Hurt Sentiments’

Pune, 2nd September 2026: The controversy surrounding Vidyanand Bapat and his views on Ganeshotsav has intensified, with former SNDT College professor and student activist Dhananjay Kulkarni announcing his decision to file a police complaint against him, claiming that some of Bapat’s statements had hurt religious sentiments.

Bapat, who has recently been in the spotlight for opposing the use of high-volume DJs during Ganeshotsav, has received considerable support for his campaign against noise pollution. However, his views on other aspects of the festival, including the organisation of pandals and routes of Ganesh processions, have drawn criticism from certain sections.

Kulkarni clarified that he does not oppose Bapat’s campaign against excessively loud DJ music.

“In fact, we too oppose deafening DJ music. The noise limits prescribed by the courts must be strictly followed, and police should take action against those violating the regulations,” Kulkarni said.

However, he objected to some of the broader changes suggested by Bapat regarding Ganeshotsav. Kulkarni particularly expressed disagreement with suggestions about shifting Ganesh processions to roads outside the city.

‘Changes Must Follow a Proper Process’

According to Kulkarni, any proposed changes to long-standing traditions or the organisation of Ganeshotsav should be raised through an appropriate process and with adequate consultation.

“Such issues cannot be raised just days before Ganeshotsav with expectations of immediate changes. Creating unrest in society is not the way to bring about transformation,” he said.

Kulkarni also questioned Bapat’s references to historical social practices such as child marriage and the shaving of widows’ heads while discussing Indian culture. He argued that such practices had no direct connection with Ganeshotsav and therefore did not need to be brought into the debate.

‘Support on Social Media Is Mainly for Anti-DJ Stand’

Kulkarni further claimed that the support Bapat has received on social media should primarily be seen as an endorsement of his opposition to loud DJ music rather than support for all his views concerning Ganeshotsav.

“The general public supports his stand against the excessive noise created by DJs. However, we do not believe that the Hindu community supports all the other issues he has raised regarding the organisation of Ganeshotsav,” Kulkarni said.

He also raised objections to Bapat’s broader ideological positions and alleged that some of his actions and associations reflected an anti-Hindu stance. Kulkarni, however, added that he had no objection to an individual holding socialist, secular or non-religious beliefs.

“Whether someone believes in God or not is their personal matter. But if changes are to be introduced in Ganeshotsav, they must be pursued through the proper process,” he said.

Police Complaint Planned

The controversy took a further turn after Kulkarni alleged that certain statements made by Bapat had hurt his sentiments and announced that he would approach the police.

“Our sentiments have been hurt. I will file a police complaint tomorrow. I have spoken with Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil and will submit my complaint to him,” Kulkarni said.

The proposed complaint adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding Bapat’s statements. What began as a discussion over excessive DJ noise during Ganeshotsav has now expanded into a wider dispute over traditions, religious sentiments and proposed changes to the organisation of the festival.

Police action, if any, following the proposed complaint remains to be seen.