An FIR has been lodged against three unidentified women under provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, for violating rules and restrictions applicable to protected monuments and for offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada.
The video of the three women, which went viral last week, showing them in hijab and offering namaz, led to uproars. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Medha Kulkarni was among the protestors who opposed the act and reportedly conducted purification rituals using ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) at the place where namaz was offered and labeled the act as a “matter of concern and outrage for every Punekar.”
A case has been lodged against three unidentified women, as reported by the news agency ANI.
Another video went viral
After the video of women offering namaz, another video went viral, this time of ‘purification’ with ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) and performing Shiv Vandana, by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni.
“This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved. We performed Shiv Vandana at Shaniwarwada and purified the place. We tried to hoist a saffron flag, but the officials stopped us. These people offer namaz at any place and then add it to the Waqf property. The Hindu community is vigilant,” Kulkarni said.
Political Uproar
Taking a jab at MP Medha Kulkarni, opposition leader Ajit Pawar’s NCP spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombre said, “She is raising the issue of Hindu versus Muslim, while both communities live together in harmony in Pune.”
Shaniwarwada has a history. It is a symbol of bravery. Shaniwarwada is close to the Hindu community. If Hindus recite Hanuman Chalisa in Haji Ali, won’t the sentiments of Muslims be hurt? Go to the mosque and offer namaz. If Hanuman Chalisa and Aarti are performed in Haji Ali, then these people should not be offended.”
Criticizing the act of women, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane said, “Shaniwarwada has a history. It is a symbol of bravery. Shaniwarwada is close to the Hindu community. If Hindus recite Hanuman Chalisa in Haji Ali, won’t the sentiments of Muslims be hurt? Go to the mosque and offer namaz. If Hanuman Chalisa and Aarti are performed in Haji Ali, then these people should not be offended.”
Accusing the BJP of “destroying the secularism and pluralism,” AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan said, “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 did garba in trains or at airports. ASI-protected monuments are for everyone. A 3-minute namaz troubled you so much. But Article 25 of the Constitution provides the right to freedom of religion. So, how much hatred will you spread? You should purify your mind, the mind that harbors hatred.”
Opposing MP Medha Kulkarni’s act, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “The BJP MP should have fear of Allah. This will not be tolerated. The Muslims in India sacrificed their lives for the nation. Those who advocated for the British are sitting in the power right now and will treat Muslims like this. They will get a befitting reply for this.”
