“We will not allow Sarasbaug to turn into ‘Shaheen Bagh’!” : Assert Hindutva groups

• Protests by Hindutva organizations against “Encroachment” at historic Sarasbaug in Pune

• Demand for preventive restrictions at Sarasbaug in view of Bakri Eid

Pune: Members of various Hindutva organizations staged a strong protest on the footpath outside Sarasbaug, a site considered historically and religiously significant by many residents of Pune. The protest centered around preserving the sanctity of Sarasbaug and the premises of the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Sarasbaug.

A large number of office-bearers and activists from different organizations participated in the demonstration. Protesters alleged that the administration has failed to protect the heritage and sanctity of this Peshwa-era site. Referring to a large gathering that reportedly took place in the area following Ramzan Eid, they questioned under whose authority such permission was granted.

Slogans such as “Condemn religious encroachment at Sarasbaug,” “Take action against officials permitting such encroachment,” and “We will not tolerate changes to the religious character of Hindu sites” were raised, expressing strong opposition to the administration’s handling of the situation.

Background and demands

1. Protesters pointed out that a large crowd had gathered at Sarasbaug on March 22nd, 2026. They demanded

2. An inquiry into the officials who permitted the gathering, along with strict action against them.
Concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

3. A permanent ban on non-Hindu mass gatherings within the temple premises.

4. Implementation of preventive orders in the Sarasbaug area ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha (Bakri Eid) on May 27th, 2026, to avoid any untoward incidents.

The protesters stated that a formal memorandum outlining these demands would be submitted to the administration. They also warned that if their concerns are not addressed, further democratic protests would be organized.

Notable participants

Prominent individuals present at the protest included Sarvesh Mehendale (auditor), Swapnil Naik (Pune city president of Patit Pavan Sanghatana), Vidyadhar Nargolkar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Vichar Manch), H.B.P. Dattatray Choraghe Maharaj (Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh), Dada Vedak (Vishwa Hindu Parishad), Shri. Dayanand Bandgar (Swatantryaveer Savarkar Yuva Vichar Manch), Shri. Parag Gokhale (Hindu Janajagruti Samiti), Advocate Dattatray Devale, Shri. Sunil Rasane (President, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple Trust), Pujya Pappaji Puranik, cow protection activist Rishikesh Kamathe, Advocate Vivek Bhosale, Nilesh Pawar (Fursungi), and BJP leader Seema Limaye, among others.