A political war of words erupted on Monday after BJP leaders led a protest march and ‘cleansed’ the iconic Shaniwar Wada in Maharashtra. Controversy had erupted after a video of Muslim women offering namaz inside the historic complex went viral over the weekend. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni had subsequently led several Hindu outfits in performing a symbolic “purification” of the spot by sprinkling cow urine and reciting prayers.

“This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved,” she told reporters.

The video was also posted on X by BJP Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni, who sought strict action in the matter. Several hundred people had joined the agitation led by Kulkarni on Sunday — including groups such as Patit Pavan Sanghatna and Hindu Sakal Samaj. They had sprinkled cow urine at the site and offered ‘Shiv Vandana’ in an effort to “purify” the site after the namaz incident.

The Shaniwar Wada was a 13-storey palace built by the Peshwas in 1736 and later destroyed during a fire in 1828. It enjoys reverential status as the seat of Peshwa power but there is little left on the premises beyond the fortification walls and massive the spike-studded doors.

Political uproar over ‘purification’

The incident has sparked widespread outrage with leaders from various parties lashing out at the BJP. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant expressed disbelief over the purification protest — wondering why they considered Shaniwar Wada a pilgrimage site. Sawant also said the Shaniwar Wada hosts Peshwa-era dargahs and added that the historical rulers had not taken issue with it.

“Seeing Muslim women offering namaz in Shaniwar Wada on Saturday, the BJP folks sprinkled cow urine on them — this sight makes one want to slap their forehead in disbelief. Does Shaniwar Wada seem like a pilgrimage site to them? Has anyone stopped you from sitting there and chanting jap?” he asked while posting a video message on X.

“The BJP MP 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,” fumed Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi.