Pune Municipal Corporation Rolls Back Cultural Policy Amid Controversy Over Rahul Solapurekar’s Involvement

Pune, 7th March 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has shelved its proposed cultural policy after it sparked controversy due to the inclusion of actor Rahul Solapurkar as a potential advisor. Solapurkar had been at the center of a political storm in Maharashtra for his controversial statements about historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. PMC’s decision to withdraw the policy comes as a measure to avoid further political backlash, especially given the sensitive nature of Solapurkar’s past remarks.

The cultural policy was initially drafted and presented to the standing committee for approval, but it did not receive the necessary clearance. PMC has now filed the proposal, indicating that it will be reworked and presented again in the future. This move follows criticism from PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, who expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the proposal was presented without prior notice. The cultural department’s leaders were also reprimanded for their handling of the situation. As a result, no committee has been formed for the policy, and only discussions with experts in the cultural department have been noted. PMC’s decision reflects its cautious approach to avoid stirring up further controversy in the politically charged environment.