Row over Banyan tree worship at Mahatma Phule Wada: BJP MP Medha Kulkarni faces criticism

A banyan tree worship programme held at the Mahatma Phule Wada complex, earlier this week, featuring BJP MP Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni as the chief guest, has drawn criticism from progressive organisations and political opponents. Ms. Kulkarni has responded stating that the event has been held at the location for many years and that due permission was obtained for the programme.

The venue and its significance

Mahatma Phule Wada is a State-protected monument under the jurisdiction of the State archaeology department. Located within the precincts of the wada, a banyan tree serves as the site for the annual Vat Purnima observance. Progressive activists contend that conducting such a ritual at the location contradicts the social reformist ideals of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule.

For the past three years, activists have been conducting outreach efforts at the site, attempting to persuade participants to reconsider their participation in the ritual. This year, the event was organised by the Samast Mahatma Phule Wada Parisar Mahila Gan. The organisers extended an invitation to Dr. Medha Kulkarni. The decision to invite her has triggered a wave of reactions.

Allegations of violation

Lawyer Sharada Wadekar, general secretary of Mahatma Jotirao Phule Samata Pratishthan, raised concerns about the event’s compliance with regulations. “Mahatma Phule Wada is a State-protected monument. This structure represents the historical legacy of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule’s social reform work. The archaeology department bears the responsibility of preserving the historical, ideological, and social sanctity of this structure. The department had issued an order in January prohibiting such programmes in the wada,” Ms. Wadekar stated. She further claimed that the Pratishthan had submitted a representation to the archaeology department seeking effective implementation of this order.

Ms. Wadekar added that a programme with political overtones, including a felicitation of Medha Kulkarni, was organised in the wada complex. She said this action contradicts the regulations for monument protection.

Social activist Nitin Pawar also voiced his opinion on the matter. “Mahatma Phule Wada falls under the state archaeology department as it is a State-protected structure. The regulations for such sites are framed under constitutional provisions. They must be followed. Conducting events without adhering to rules, under the pretext of religious tradition, is inappropriate,” Mr. Pawar stated.

Archaeology Department’s explanation

Responding to the allegations of giving permission for the programme, Vilas Wahane, Assistant Director of the Pune office of the archaeology department, said the department had earlier denied permission, but was given directions from the Mumbai office regarding granting permission. He provided a timeline of events. “Such programmes have been taking place at Mahatma Phule Wada for several years. Following a confrontation between two groups during last year’s event, some organisations submitted representations requesting a ban on such activities. A decision was taken to impose restrictions. Accordingly, the department communicated its decision to the police, prohibiting the celebration of Vat Purnima at the site,” Mr. Wahane explained.

Mr Wahane clarified that a few days prior to Vat Purnima, the Pune office received guidelines from the Mumbai office. “The communication stated that permission is to be granted for festivals, customs, traditions, and celebrations that have been ongoing since earlier times. Based on this, the Pune office issued a revised order and communicated the same to the Pune police,” he stated.

Kulkarni’s defence

Following the event, Dr. Medha Kulkarni took to social media to respond to the criticism. “Vat Purnima is a festival that conveys the message of nature’s importance and tree conservation. This occasion teaches us to connect with nature. Everyone should resolve to plant a tree and nurture the environment,” she said.

Ms. Kulkarni also clarified her participation. “I did not organise this programme. I was invited to attend. Local women have been conducting this Vat Purnima event here annually for several generations. The archaeology department had granted permission for this programme,” Ms. Kulkarni stated.

Political reactions

The political fallout from the event has been significant. Sushma Andhare of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray) faction criticised the event on social media. “It was not mischief but pure indecency to deliberately choose the Mahatma Phule Wada in Kothrud instead of all the other banyan trees. Moreover, this is a planned annual occurrence at a historical monument. The fact that the state’s Home Minister overlooks this is a conspiracy,” Ms. Andhare remarked.

Sunil Mane, State General Secretary and Spokesperson of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), demanded that a case be registered against Ms. Kulkarni.