Pune: Wearing Helmets and Black Bands, MVA Corporators Protest Alleged ‘Intimidation’ By BJP Members In PMC General Body
Pune, 22nd June 2026: Opposition corporators from the Congress and NCP (SP), along with other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) members, attended the Pune Municipal Corporation’s General Body meeting on Monday wearing helmets and black armbands to protest what they described as the aggressive behaviour of some BJP corporators during the previous House session when the issue of a demolished dargah in Bopodi was raised.
The symbolic protest comes days after a heated confrontation erupted in the civic body’s General Body meeting when NCP (SP) corporator Gafur Pathan sought to raise concerns over the demolition of the historic Hazrat Shamsuddin Dargah near Bopodi Metro Station. Opposition members alleged that BJP corporators attempted to prevent discussion on another issue when the Dargah matter was listed and behaved aggressively towards Pathan inside the House.
Wearing black bands and helmets, opposition corporators accused the ruling BJP of undermining democratic debate and suppressing voices seeking answers from the civic administration. They said the protest was aimed at highlighting what they termed an atmosphere of intimidation within the civic body.
According to opposition leaders, the Hazrat Shamsuddin Dargah, located on the old Pune-Mumbai highway at Bopodi, had existed for more than 150 years and enjoyed a Grade-A heritage status from the state government. They alleged that the structure was demolished by the Pune Municipal Corporation without consulting local elected representatives and despite not posing any obstacle to ongoing Metro work or road-widening projects.
In a statement, Pune city NCP (SP) president Shrikant Patil condemned the demolition and the alleged treatment meted out to Pathan in the House. He said every elected representative has the democratic right to raise public issues in the General Body and that any attempt to silence such discussions was detrimental to the dignity of the civic institution.
The controversy began during last week’s General Body meeting when opposition corporators demanded clarification from PMC officials regarding the demolition. BJP corporators, however, objected to the discussion and insisted that the House focus on the city’s water crisis and alternate-day water supply schedule. The disagreement soon escalated into a shouting match, with opposition members alleging that several BJP corporators advanced towards Pathan in an intimidating manner.
The incident prompted Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) corporators to rally behind Pathan, accusing the ruling party of stifling dissent. Opposition leaders have demanded action against those responsible for the alleged misconduct and called upon the civic administration to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future House proceedings.
They also described the Bopodi dargah as a symbol of communal harmony in the area and expressed disappointment that the issue did not receive wider support from elected representatives during the debate.
