Shaniwar Wada Namaz Controversy: Political Polarization Ahead of Pune Local Body Elections?

Pune | MahaINews Desk:
The recent controversy surrounding Namaz offered by a few women inside the historic Shaniwar Wada premises has triggered a heated political debate in Pune. Following the video’s circulation on social media, BJP MP Medha Kulkarni performed a “purification ritual” by sprinkling gomutra (cow urine) at the site — further intensifying the issue.

In the backdrop of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections, the timing of the incident has sparked discussions about deliberate social polarization and political maneuvering.

Historical and Political Context:

Near Shaniwar Wada stand two Sufi shrines — “Dhakta Dargah” and “Thorla Dargah” — believed to be dedicated to Sufi saint Sheikh Salauddin. According to historical accounts, these dargahs existed even before Shaniwar Wada was built.

It is said that Chimaji Appa Peshwa had resolved earlier disputes regarding the shrine’s Urus celebrations, and Thorle Madhavrao Peshwa even made donations to the shrines.
However, some groups claim that these dargahs are illegal structures, allegedly constructed only about 30–40 years ago, and have repeatedly demanded their removal.

Political Timing Raises Questions:

The Namaz controversy has erupted just days after two major local issues dominated Pune’s headlines:

The controversy over a Jain trust’s land allotment to a private developer — a case that involved Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol.

A Modern College student’s case where his admission to a foreign university was allegedly cancelled due to mismanagement by the institution run by Nivedita Ekbote, whose family is politically active within BJP and Hindu organizations.

Once the Namaz and purification topics gained traction, both these controversies faded from public discussion, fueling speculation that the Shaniwar Wada row may have been used as a diversion.

Recurring Nature of the Dargah Dispute:

This is not the first time the Shaniwar Wada–Dargah issue has come under the spotlight:

March 2023: Public demands to remove the nearby Dargah resurfaced.

November 2022: Hindu organizations held a protest march demanding its demolition.

Around the same time, illegal encroachments near Afzal Khan’s tomb were removed — another politically charged religious issue.

These recurring controversies show how religious heritage sites often become flashpoints during politically sensitive periods in Pune.

Analysis:

The Shaniwar Wada Namaz controversy appears to be more than a spontaneous religious dispute — it reflects a pattern of politically convenient religious polarization seen before elections.
As Pune prepares for its local body polls, this controversy may shape public sentiment and electoral narratives in the city.