Pune — The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) abruptly shut down the iconic Sarasbaug Garden on June 8, just a day after Bakrid, based on a letter from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, sparking outrage and deep concern among civil rights advocates and members of the Muslim community, reported the Siasat.
Kulkarni alleged that Muslim families had gathered in the garden on Bakrid and consumed meat, which she claimed violated the sanctity of the Peshwa-era Siddhivinayak Ganesh temple located within the park. In her letter, she demanded action “to preserve the sanctity and purity” of the temple premises, which she insisted were being disrespected by the alleged behaviour.
However, no official complaints or evidence were presented to support the allegations, raising serious questions about the motivations behind the closure. Community leaders and activists have slammed the PMC’s decision as arbitrary, unjust, and rooted in communal bias.
Dr. Shamsuddin Tamboli, President of the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal, strongly condemned the move, calling it “a denial of civil rights and a direct affront to the Muslim community.”
“This kind of action reflects a disturbing trend where public spaces are being turned into instruments of exclusion,” said Dr. Tamboli. “If eating meat is against the rules, apply the law to everyone. Don’t single out a particular community based on assumptions and prejudices. What is happening here is nothing short of a modern form of untouchability.”
Zubair Memon, National Convenor of the Maharashtra Muslim Conference, echoed similar concerns. He described the PMC’s action as “an act of communal profiling” and called on progressive members of Hindu society to speak up against such discrimination. “Public parks are meant for all citizens, regardless of religion. Using religion as a reason to shut doors on Muslims is divisive and dangerous,” he said.
Every year, Muslim families traditionally spend time in public parks and recreation areas with their loved ones during Eid celebrations. The closure of Sarasbaug Garden — without prior notice or investigation — has been widely perceived as an attempt to deny Muslims their rightful access to public spaces.
Critics say this incident is part of a larger pattern where Muslim religious and cultural practices are being publicly targeted. Notably, MP Medha Kulkarni was recently involved in another controversy, where she allegedly pressured the staff of a dargah to stop the azaan (Islamic call to prayer) during Hanuman Jayanti.
Legal experts and activists warn that such actions, if unchallenged, set a dangerous precedent for religious discrimination in civic governance. They emphasize that the Indian Constitution guarantees equal access to public places and freedom of religious practice, and no community can be selectively targeted or excluded.
As calls grow for the PMC to reverse its decision and issue a public apology, voices from across civil society are urging authorities to uphold the secular and inclusive spirit of the country — a spirit that is being increasingly undermined by politically motivated acts of exclusion.
