Pune Shaniwarwada: Namaz Prayer Video Shared by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Sparks Controversy
A video showing a group of Muslim women offering namaz inside Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada has gone viral, triggering sharp reactions and political debate across social media.
BJP MP Medha Kulkarni shared the clip on her X handle, questioning whether the iconic fort — often regarded as the pride of Pune — should be used as a site for religious prayers. “Shaniwarwada will not hold Namaz prayers, the Hindu community has now awakened,” she wrote, while announcing a protest on Sunday, October 19, at 4 pm in front of Kasba Police Chowki near Shaniwarwada. She also urged people to join “Shiv Vandana” near the site, supported by the Sakal Hindu Samaj and Patit Pavan Sanghatana.
The video, reportedly shot from an upper floor of the fort, shows around six to seven women performing namaz as children play and visitors move around nearby.
This comes shortly after a similar controversy at Pune’s Saras Baug, where namaz prayers had drawn attention following Kulkarni’s objection. The garden was later closed to the public on Basi Eid.
The latest incident has once again divided opinions online. While some have backed Kulkarni’s demand to restrict religious activities at historical sites, others have criticized her for politicizing a peaceful act of prayer.
