Pune: Muslim Community Protests Gram Panchayat Resolutions Banning ‘Outsiders’ from Mosques
Reported by Vikrant Sonawane
Pune, 12th June 2025: Members of the Muslim community in Pune and its adjoining rural areas have strongly objected to recent resolutions passed by several Gram Panchayats that allegedly prohibit the entry of Muslims from outside the villages into local mosques. The controversial resolutions, reportedly enforced in villages such as Kasarsai, Ghotwade, Pirangut, Vadki, Khedshivapur, Garade, and Lavale, have triggered concern and calls for immediate government intervention.
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has filed formal complaints with the police and the District Collector’s Office, demanding strict action against those responsible. Party leaders have termed the resolutions unconstitutional and divisive.
“These Gram Panchayat resolutions violate constitutional rights and religious freedoms,” said Azhar Tamboli, State President of SDPI, while addressing a press conference at the Pune Patrakar Bhavan in Navi Peth. “Despite being aware, police authorities have not taken any action. We had raised the issue with the Collector’s office a month ago.”
Tamboli further alleged that pressure from right-wing organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is being exerted on local mosque committees to restrict the entry of Muslims from other areas.
“As a result, many Muslims were unable to celebrate Eid in their native villages out of fear,” he added. “The Maharashtra of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar is being pushed away from its secular ideals. This communal divide seems to be deepening ahead of the elections.”
Referring to a recent incident where Sarasbaug was closed on Eid following a letter from MP Medha Kulkarni, Tamboli questioned, “Was such a move logical or justified?”
In some villages, banners have appeared declaring that Muslims from outside are not permitted due to “possibility of terrorist activity.”
According to SDPI, social media is being used to spread fear, and local committees are reportedly being formed to enforce these restrictions.
Tamboli expressed concern over rising cases of mob lynching and hate crimes in rural areas, stating that most victims are too afraid to file complaints. “It is the duty of the state government to protect the rights and safety of minorities,” he said.
Drawing a parallel, Tamboli added, “If the Pandharpur Municipal Council were to ban outside Varkaris from entering the town during the yatra on grounds of safety, would that be accepted?”
He also criticised Baramati MP Supriya Sule, under whose constituency many of these villages fall. “She makes public statements about secularism, but there has been no concrete action from her on the ground,” he said.
Tamboli demanded action against the gram sevaks and Gram Panchayat members who passed the resolutions. “We will challenge this in court and approach the High Court to ensure justice,” he concluded.
