An Indian MP from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked controversy after performing a 'purification' ritual at the historic Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune, Maharashtra. Medha Kulkarni, along with Hindu activists, used cow dung and urine—considered sacred by many Hindus—to 'clean' a spot where Muslim women had offered prayers, as shown in a viral video.
Kulkarni defended her actions, stating that the fort is a symbol of Maratha pride and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 'We cannot allow anyone to offer namaz here. It is not a mosque,' she told The Indian Express, adding that if Muslims can pray there, Hindus should be allowed to perform rituals in mosques or the Taj Mahal.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from opposition leaders and even political allies. Sachin Sawant of the Congress party and NCP leader Ajit Pawar condemned the act, with Sawant noting that even Mastani, a historical figure, had stayed at the fort. Mukund Kirdat of the Aam Aadmi Party called it a 'clear attempt to polarise Hindu voters ahead of local civic body polls.'
Police in Pune have registered a criminal case against three unidentified women seen in the video for allegedly violating restrictions at protected monuments. The fort, built in 1736 and destroyed by fire in 1828, remains a contentious symbol in Maharashtra, a state ruled by a BJP-led coalition.
