Hindutva Outrage in Pune’s Shaniwar Wada Park After Muslim Women Offer Namaz
Pune | October 21, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com
A video showing a few Muslim women offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada Park has sparked controversy after Hindutva activists raised objections and staged protests.
According to reports, the women had come to the park for leisure when they offered a short prayer. However, right-wing groups immediately shared the video online, turning it into a communal issue to create unnecessary tension.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni called the act “inappropriate” and demanded immediate action from the local administration. Protesters also performed certain Hindu rituals to “purify” the park, claiming that offering namaz at the site had “defiled” it.
Shaniwar Wada, an 18th-century fort and palace, is one of the most iconic symbols of the Maratha Empire. It is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Pune Police stated that they are in contact with ASI officials and will take further steps if needed.
Reacting sharply, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant condemned the outrage, calling it “regressive and hypocritical.” “It’s shocking to see how intolerant some people have become,” he said. “Even during the Peshwa era, Mastani lived in Shaniwar Wada, and several dargahs still exist there. The Peshwas never had a problem with that.”
Sawant further mocked the protesters by saying, “If women remember God there, why does it bother you? If your logic is right, then you should wash the entire Wada with cow urine.”
He added that this incident exposes the BJP’s backward mindset. “No one stops you from meditating there. Then why object to someone else praying?” he asked.
