Shaniwarwada Namaz Row: Pune Police Urged to Take Action Against BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Over Alleged Provocative Remarks

Pune, 24th October 2025: Republican Yuva Morcha leader Rahul Dambale met Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar demanding immediate legal action against Rajya Sabha Member Medha Kulkarni for allegedly organizing an unauthorized protest at Shaniwarwada and making provocative statements that could lead to communal unrest.

Former corporator from Kondhwa, Advocate Haji Gafur Pathan, was also present during the meeting.

According to Dambale, on October 19, Kulkarni, along with several Hindutva activists, entered the historic Shaniwarwada premises without police permission and held a demonstration claiming that namaz had been offered there in the past. Despite police orders, she allegedly went ahead with a so-called “purification ritual,” which Dambale described as highly inappropriate and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament.

He further alleged that Kulkarni’s subsequent remarks following the incident were inflammatory and capable of disturbing communal harmony.
The National Conference for Minorities has also demanded that strict legal action be taken against Kulkarni. The organization noted that she had earlier engaged in a similar act at the Chhota Sheikh Salauddin Dargah in Kasba Peth, and repeating such actions now raises “serious questions” about her intent to disrupt peace and order in the city.

The delegation warned that if police fail to act, they will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Bombay High Court seeking justice.
After submitting a memorandum, the delegation briefed Commissioner Amitesh Kumar in detail about the incident. The Police Commissioner reportedly assured them that the matter would be examined and appropriate legal action taken as per law.

Commenting on the issue, Advocate Gafur Pathan said, “Instead of promoting Hindu-Muslim harmony, attempts are being made to polarize communities and hold the city hostage. Such conduct is unbecoming of a responsible and cultured public representative like Medha Kulkarni. This incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community, and we demand immediate action.”