BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Shuts Down Pune Dandiya Event After Noise Complaints, Cites Police Inaction
BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Shuts Down Pune Dandiya Event After Noise Complaints, Cites Police Inaction
What began as a lively Navratri celebration in Pune’s Kothrud area was abruptly brought to a halt after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni intervened on Saturday night, following a flood of noise complaints from residents.
The event, held at Jeet Ground, had reportedly been playing loud music since the start of the Navratri festival, sparking concerns from locals—particularly senior citizens and individuals battling health issues. According to Kulkarni, residents had been reaching out for days, frustrated over the disturbance caused every evening.
She said many of them had pleaded for help, including cancer patients and elderly people, who were struggling to cope with the constant loud music. Kulkarni explained that she had been “receiving continuous calls and messages from people in the Kothrud area who were disturbed by the blaring sound system every night.” Despite multiple complaints made to the local police station and even higher officials, she claimed no concrete steps were taken.
Before taking direct action, Kulkarni said she tried all official channels—contacting the Kothrud Police Station, the Deputy Commissioner, and even sending written complaints to the Police Commissioner. However, she stated that there was no response or follow-up from law enforcement, which left her with no option but to visit the event site herself.
She stated that she had informed the police once again and then personally went to the ground to stop the event. A video of her visit quickly circulated online, sparking debate across social media platforms.
Kulkarni also made it clear that she does not want such events to be repeated at the same venue in the future. Emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens’ wellbeing, she said she plans to raise the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Police Commissioner. She added that she intends to launch a public campaign to push back against what she described as negligence by the authorities.
She remarked that, going forward, “such events disturbing public peace will not be allowed at Jeet Ground,” and confirmed her intention to take the matter to senior leadership, stating her commitment to leading a “people’s movement” to prevent such lapses in governance.
The incident has triggered mixed reactions—some supporting her firm stance on noise pollution, while others question whether the cultural festivities could have been managed with better coordination. As Navratri celebrations continue across the city, the episode raises important questions about urban noise regulation and the responsibilities of both event organizers and the authorities.
