Memorandum submitted to Archaeology Department and the Municipal Commissioner
Pune, Maharashtra – The ban imposed by the Archaeology Department on worshipping the banyan tree (Vatavriksha pujan) located in front of the historic Mahatma Phule Wada memorial in Ganj Peth is a direct assault on the religious freedom of Hindu women. This is a blatant violation of the fundamental rights to religious practice guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. Therefore, this ban must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. Furthermore, women must be given formal permission to perform the Vatavriksha Pujan rituals on 29 June, along with adequate police protection. A memorandum outlining these demands was submitted to the Archaeology Department and the Municipal Commissioner’s Office by a delegation from the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, its Ranragini wing, Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, and Surajya Abhiyan .
The delegation on this occasion included Shri. Krishnaji Patil of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Ku. Kranti Petkar of the Ranragini wing, Shri. Sachin Ghule of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, Shri. Surendra Mahajan of the Surajya Abhiyan, and activists from other pro-Hindu organisations as well.
Hemant Gosavi from the Archaeology Department stated that memorandums from organisations representing both sides of the issue have been received. The points raised in them will be forwarded to senior officials. A final decision on this matter has not yet been made. A proper decision will be taken after a detailed study of the views from both sides.
Anti-Hindu bias of the administration
The Archaeology Department remains completely inactive when it comes to removing illegal mazars and unauthorised constructions built on the state’s forts, yet it shows extraordinary promptness in opposing a peaceful, centuries-old tradition of Hindus.
If the administration hurts the religious sentiments of Hindus by stopping the tradition of Vatpujan, a fierce state-wide agitation will be launched alongside all devotees and devout Hindu organisations.
