Opposition parties and social activists in Maharashtra are demanding the resignation of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, accusing her of "hatemongering" after she performed a 'purification' ritual at a historic Pune landmark.
The controversy erupted on Sunday when Kulkarni led a procession of Hindutva activists to Shaniwarwada, a key historical monument and cleansed a spot with cow urine where some Muslim women visitors had previously offered namaz.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the MP defended her actions by stating, “If the Muslims are offering namaz inside a historical place like Shaniwarwada, then Hindus should also be allowed to perform 'aarti' in mosques.”
The act has drawn sharp criticism, with political opponents labelling it a diversion from pressing public issues. Maharashtra Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe criticised the timing of the event, telling The Indian Express, “At a time when farmers in Marathawada have been hit hard by floods and there’s a need to help them tide over this crisis, Kulkarni is trying to divert the attention of the people by indulging in hatemongering.” He further pressed for her resignation, arguing that a people's representative should fight for public interest, not against it.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the chorus of condemnation. Its spokesperson, Mukund Kirdat, suggested Kulkarni’s actions were designed to “impress her bosses in Delhi.” He added, “If she wants to indulge in anti-people activities, then she should better resign and work for Sakal Hindu Samaj. An MP represents all sections of the party in Parliament. She seems to have forgotten her responsibility.”
Social activists have challenged the historical basis of the MP's gesture. Manav Kamble, who heads the Nagarik Haqq Suraksha Samaiti, pointed to the site's history, noting, “Medha Kulkarni went to Shaniwarwada and purified the spot where 'namaz.' I want to tell her that Bajirao Peshwe used to bring Mastani in Shaniwarwada. If we read the history books, Mastani, a Muslim woman, used to stay in Shaniwarwada. Then, will Medha Kulkarni purify the entire Shaniwarwada?” Kamble concluded that the MP’s act was “highly condemnable,” as cited by The Indian Express.
Other critics highlighted what they see as a misplacement of priorities. Activist Vishwambhar Choudhari remarked that while Pune’s citizens are hassled by traffic jams, piled-up garbage and rising crime, their BJP MP is “searching for ‘green’ colour in some corner and cover it with saffron colour.”
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