Go Rakshan Debate Flares Up In Pune As BJP MLA Mahesh Landge Issues Strong Warning
Go Rakshan Debate Flares Up In Pune As BJP MLA Mahesh Landge Issues Strong Warning
Pune, August 13, 2025: The political tension in Pune has intensified as BJP MLA Mahesh Landgestrongly reacted to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s recent remarks on protecting the interests of the Qureshi community and cattle transporters. Pawar had assured that traders from the Qureshi community and farmers transporting livestock would not face injustice.
Referring to reports that, during a meeting chaired by Ajit Pawar at Mantralaya regarding issues faced by the Qureshi community, police were instructed to “restrain cow protectors,” Landge warned, “Gorakshan is not child’s play. Cow protectors work for the cause of protecting cows and our dharma. Any attempt to file false cases against them will not be tolerated.” The reports have triggered discontent among Hindutva organisations and activists.
Speaking during a protest organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj in Indapur over the removal of encroachments from the fort and memorial of Veer Sardar Maloji Raje Bhosale, Landge indirectly targeted Pawar. “If someone from the jihadi or Qureshi community claims cow protectors are harming them, what’s their problem? We have shut down illegal slaughterhouses in Junnar and will continue protecting cows,” he said.
Landge also took a firm stand on other sensitive issues, including “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and religious conversions. “The BJP-Mahayuti government is a Hindutva government. Cow protectors have no reason to fear,” he asserted.
In a strong message, Landge told cow protectors, “Remember, we are defending our faith and our cows. If false cases are filed against you, we will not accept it. Gorakshan is not a casual game. Those spreading false accusations should try chasing a truck carrying cattle — then they’ll know what cow protection means. We will not step back from gorakshan, love jihad, or land jihad.”
The latest clash over cow protection has added a fresh chapter to the ongoing political rivalry between Ajit Pawar and Mahesh Landge in Pune district.
