'Why don’t you chant Ram-Ram yourselves?': Politics heats up over namaz at Pune’s Shaniwar Wada; Congress mocks BJP

NEW DELHI: The controversy over Muslim women offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada on Sunday, which led some Hindu outfits led by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni to perform a symbolic “purification” by sprinkling cow urine and reciting prayers, has escalated into a full-blown political debate, drawing reactions from Congress, AIMIM, NCP, Samajwadi Party, and state leaders. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised the BJP’s action of sprinkling cow urine at the iconic site as part of a protest, saying it “makes one want to slap his or her forehead in disbelief.” Posting on X, Sawant reminded that Shaniwar Wada even housed Mastani. “It was the Peshwa sardars themselves who removed the Chhatrapati's flag and hoisted the Union Jack. If those women invoke the name of the Almighty at such a place, it starts hurting your stomachs.

Has anyone stopped you from sitting there and meditate,” he asked.

Sawant noted that the Wada hosts Peshwa-era dargahs and added that the Peshwas had no issue with it. Referring to the assassination of young Peshwa Narayanrao, he said, “people from Pune still say they can hear cries of 'Uncle, save me' coming from the Wada.” “So, invoking the Almighty's name is good, why don't you chant 'Ram Ram' yourselves,” Sawant asked.

He further said, “So much has happened in that Shaniwar Wada that, by your logic BJP folks, the entire Wada should actually be washed with cow urine. That way, the public will also realize just how regressive your mindset is.” AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned the action, saying, “BJP is destroying the secularism and pluralism of our country. They are only spreading hatred. If 3-4 Muslim women offered namaz at one location on jummah, then what trouble did it cause? He added "We never objected when Hindus do 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 Right to Freedom of Religion. So, how much hatred will you spread? You should purify your mind, the mind that harbours hatred.” Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also commented, saying, “Shaniwarwada has a history. It is the symbol of our valour. It is very close to the Hindu community's heart. If you want to offer namaz there, will you be fine with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting Hanuman Chalisa? Will your sentiments not be hurt? One should offer prayers only at the designated places. If Hindu workers raised their voice, then it is correct…” NCP-SCP leader Prashant Jagtap stated, "India's constiution empowers its people, gives them equal rights...

Shaniwarwada is a tourist place where women offered namaz. BJP is trying to politicise this diverting focus from mainstream issues.” Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “The BJP MP (Medha Kulkarni) 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, they are sitting in the power right now and will treat Muslims like this. They will get a befitting reply for this.”(With agency inputs)