Special Correspondent
Pune: A case has been registered at Deccan Police Station after a controversial banner targeting BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni was put up at Bal Gandharva Chowk in Pune. The banner referred to her as “Kothrud’s Woman” and contained derogatory remarks, allegedly aimed at defaming her over a recent statement she made regarding renaming Pune Railway Station.
The incident occurred shortly after a meeting of MPs from Pune, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar, organized by the Railway Department. During the meeting, Medha Kulkarni had proposed renaming the Pune Railway Station after historical figure Bajirao Peshwa. This sparked strong criticism from certain quarters, including members of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), leading to the appearance of the banner containing objectionable language.
The banner allegedly contained content that insulted the Peshwa legacy, the Brahmin community, and MP Kulkarni. It also featured photographs of prominent Shiv Sena leaders, including city president, sub-division head Girish Gaikwad, division coordinator Vilas Sonawane, and organizer Atul Dighe. One of the most provocative lines on the banner read: “If you’re so eager to rename places, why don’t you rename Budhwar Peth to Mastani Peth?”
Following the incident, Vidya Ghatwai, state president of the women’s wing of the Maharashtra Brahmin Sabha, filed a complaint with the State Women’s Commission, stating the banner was a deliberate attempt to malign a woman MP and insult an entire community. The Parshuram Hindu Seva Sangh also submitted a memorandum to police demanding legal action.
Kamlesh Pradhan (47), a resident of Dhayari, Pune, lodged a formal police complaint, based on which a case was registered against unidentified individuals under Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, and Sections 244 and 245 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.
Police have begun an investigation into the matter. MP Medha Kulkarni has demanded strict action against those responsible, terming the act as a calculated attempt to tarnish her image a
