A viral video capturing three Muslim women offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada monument has ignited a major political and communal row, culminating in a controversial “purification ritual” led by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni.

Kulkarni, a Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, strongly condemned the incident, calling it disrespectful to the site’s historical and cultural legacy. The BJP leader, accompanied by party workers, performed a “Shiv Vandana” at the location and sprinkled cow urine (gaumutra) on the spot where the prayer took place. “Shaniwar Wada is a historic site. It is a symbol of our victory, the centre from which the Maratha Empire expanded from Attock to Cuttack. If someone comes here to perform namaz, we will not tolerate it,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter).

The video, which surfaced over the weekend, shows three women in hijabs praying inside the premises of the 18th-century fort. The monument, built in 1732, once served as the seat of the Peshwas and is now a protected heritage site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In response, the ASI filed a formal complaint, following which the Pune Police registered a case against the unidentified women under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, citing violation of monument-related restrictions. Security around Shaniwar Wada has since been intensified. A police official stated, “We will take further action based on the complaint of the ASI officials and employees. This is an ASI-protected monument.”

The BJP MP’s actions, however, triggered a fierce backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, accused Kulkarni of attempting to sow communal discord. Party spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombre said, “Medha Kulkarni has tried to create religious discord in Pune. A case should be filed against her immediately. Shaniwar Wada belongs to all Punekars, not to any one group or religion.”

Similarly, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi lashed out at the BJP, saying, “Muslims in India have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Those who advocated for the British are sitting in power right now and will treat Muslims like this. They will get a befitting reply for this.”

Defending her decision, Kulkarni argued that allowing such religious acts could set a dangerous precedent. “We have often seen that places where namaz is offered later turn into religious sites. To prevent such encroachment, we protested,” she said. She also questioned the local administration’s role, demanding accountability. “This is a matter of concern and anger for every Punekar. What exactly is the Pune administration doing? Where is the respect for our heritage sites disappearing?”

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane also weighed in, comparing the situation to the hypothetical scenario of Hindus conducting rituals at Islamic sites. “Shaniwar Wada has a history. It is a symbol of our valour and holds a special place in the hearts of the Hindu community. If people want to offer namaz there, would you be okay with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa? Wouldn’t that hurt sentiments?” he asked.

Protesters Target Dargah, Police Step In to Quell Tensions

On the ground, the situation became volatile when some protesters, reportedly affiliated with right-wing groups, marched towards the Hazrat Khwaja Sayyed Dargah located nearby, demanding its removal. Police were forced to intervene and used mild force to disperse the crowd after clashes broke out. The confrontation lasted for nearly two hours before peace was restored.

Congress also joined the chorus of criticism. Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned the logic behind the purification act, calling it absurd. “Seeing Muslim women offering namaz in Shaniwar Wada on Saturday, the BJP folks sprinkled cow urine on them, this sight makes one want to slap their forehead in disbelief. Does Shaniwar Wada seem like a pilgrimage site to them?” he remarked.

In a separate statement, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan denounced the incident as another example of rising intolerance. “They are only spreading hatred. If 3–4 Muslim women offered namaz at one location on jummah, then what trouble did it cause? We never objected when Hindus do garba in trains or at airports… You should purify your mind, the mind that harbours hatred,” he said.

Although the ASI has confirmed that the women were asked to leave when the act was noticed, the controversy has deepened political fault lines in the state. The BJP, however, maintains that its actions were in defense of cultural integrity. Kulkarni, who earlier attempted to hoist a saffron flag at the site but was stopped by authorities, emphasised that “The Hindu community is vigilant.”

As tempers flare, police say they are closely coordinating with ASI officials to prevent further flare-ups. The issue continues to dominate political discourse in Maharashtra, reflecting wider tensions over religious practices in public and historical spaces.