Pune: BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Walks Off Stage at CM Event, Alleges Caste Bias in Seating Arrangement

Pune, 27th June 2026: An event organised by the state-run SARTHI institute to felicitate successful UPSC, MPSC and other competitive examination candidates turned controversial on Friday after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni walked off the stage, alleging that her caste was cited while deciding seating arrangements in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The episode triggered a public spat between Kulkarni and BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, who denied the allegations and said his remarks had been misunderstood.

Speaking to reporters after leaving the stage, Kulkarni said she felt “deeply insulted” after Pawar allegedly told her not to occupy a front-row seat as the programme was meant for the Maratha community and her presence there could spark controversy.

“There were vacant seats in the front row and, as per protocol, I was asked by officials to sit there. But Abhimanyu Pawar told me this was a programme for the Maratha community and that I should not sit in the front row as it could create controversy. Government functions follow protocol, not caste,” she said.

Kulkarni clarified that she had no insistence on sitting in the front row but objected to caste being cited as the reason. “Where does caste come into such a programme? Whenever I attend public events, I speak about Hindu unity. What is the point of invoking caste identities?” she asked.

The MP also recalled campaigning for Pawar during his Assembly election despite being unwell. “He repeatedly requested me to address meetings of the Brahmin community and appeal for votes. I did so, and the Brahmin community supported him. Today, there was no reason to bring up caste,” she said.

Kulkarni further alleged that Pawar had prevented her from meeting Chief Minister Fadnavis before the event. She claimed she had arrived with members of the Maratha community to discuss a serious issue but was stopped from entering the VIP lounge after Pawar allegedly instructed police not to allow her inside.

“Will Abhimanyu Pawar now decide who gets to meet the Chief Minister? He behaves as though everything is under his control,” she said.

Expressing broader dissatisfaction, Kulkarni said she was frequently overlooked for official programmes in Pune despite being a BJP MP. “I was not invited to the Metro project event or the PMRDA bridge inauguration either. I often come to know about such programmes only through newspapers,” she said.

Responding to the allegations, Pawar denied that caste was ever discussed. He said he had merely suggested that Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation chairman Narendra Patil be seated in the front row and that both he and Kulkarni could sit behind him.

“There was no issue of caste or controversy. Medha tai is my senior leader. If my words hurt her sentiments, I regret it, but she misunderstood what I said,” Pawar said.