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‘Sarasbaug will not be another Shaheen Bagh’ – Hindutva groups turn aggressive in Pune!
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Protesters Condemn Administrative Failure!
Pune – To preserve the sanctity of the historic Saras Baug and Shri Siddhivinayak Temple area , a site of great reverence for the Hindu community, pro-Hindutva organizations took a firm and aggressive stand today. Following the massive crowds that gathered in the area during Ramadan, various Hindu outfits organized a spontaneous “Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Movement.” Expressing outrage over administrative lapses and vowing not to let Saras Baug become a “Shaheen Bagh,” protesters demanded that the administration immediately implement restrictive orders for the upcoming Bakri Eid on May 27.
The protesters noted that the gathering of thousands on March 22 during Ramadan was a serious matter. They claimed the administration completely failed to protect the security and sanctity of this Peshwa-era heritage site. “Is this Saras Baug or Shaheen Bagh?” protesters asked indignantly, stating that the incident had deeply offended Hindu religious sentiments.
Major Demands of the Movement !
An immediate investigation into the officials who allowed the March 22 gathering, with criminal charges to be filed against them. Concrete administrative steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again. A permanent ban on any non-Hindu collective programs within the Saras Baug temple premises. Immediate issuance of orders to prevent crowding, meat consumption, or any untoward incidents during Bakri Eid on May 27. The government should view these events not as coincidences but as systematic religious encroachment affecting internal security.
Prominent Participants : The protest saw a large attendance of leaders and activists, including CA Mr. Sarvesh Mehendale, Mr. Swapnil Naik (Patit Pavan Sanghatana), Mr. Vidyadhar Nargolkar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Vichar Manch), H.B.P. Dattatray Chorghe Maharaj (Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh), Mr. Dada Vedak (Vishwa Hindu Parishad), Mr. Dayanand Bandgar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Yuva Vichar Manch), and Mr. Parag Gokhale (Hindu Janajagruti Samiti). The protest concluded with a collective Aarti. Organizers have warned the administration of a “massive democratic stir” if their demands are not addressed with urgency.