After MP's ‘demand', Pune's Sarasbaug Garden closed by civic body

Indian Express

3 hours ago

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Sunday kept the famous Sarasbaug garden in the heart of the city closed for the day, allegedly on the demand of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, who cited that Bakri Eid celebrations in the garden would disturb the sanctity of a historical temple in the centre of garden.
The PMC administration had closed the gate of Sarasbaug garden with a board on display saying the garden was closed for the day and eating food was not allowed here. The civic administration did not respond to calls seeking reasons for the garden's closure.
In a communication to PMC on June 6, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kulkarni said, 'There is a Peshwa-era Ganesh temple in Sarasbaug and is a place of worship for lakhs of Hindu people. The garden is situated around the temple. It has been observed that people of Muslim community turn up in large numbers in Sarasbaug Garden and consume meat by violating garden rules. This hurts sentiments of Hindu community.'
Various Hindu organisations have become aggressive towards the consumption of meat in the garden, she said, adding that they too had decided to hold a social event at Sarasbaug on June 8.
'There is a possibility of communal tension between the two communities if they come face to face. There seem to be truth in complaint by Hindu organisations as many people of the Muslim community come together and consume meat, which is spoiling the sanctity of temple. This can't be tolerated,' said Kulkarni.
The BJP MP said, 'The PMC should keep the garden closed on Sunday and only allow temple visitors through the gate. This should be done to avoid any untoward incident that would disturb the peace. However, the temple should be kept open for the Hindu community.'
Activist Anwar Sheikh has sought an explanation from the PMC on the exact reason why Sarasbaug Garden was closed.
'The decision to close Sarasbaug on the demand of an MP has violated the rights of the Muslim community. The PMC's decision to close the garden on the occasion of Bakri Eid is against the fundamental right of people of the Muslim community. If the people of the muslim community are paying tax to the PMC, then they have the right to use public spaces like gardens and parks. Keeping them out due to the demand of an MP goes against the values of democracy,' he said.
He said that Muslims take their families to the garden the day after Eid to celebrate, but this year, Sarasbaug Garden was kept closed without giving any reason.
Sheikh has urged the PMC to not take such decisions in future to avoid hurting feelings of any religious community, protect the rights of Muslims and not to fall prey to the pressure of elected representatives. 'The incident is sending a message that it was done to target only people of one community,' he said.