BJP MP Medha Kulkarni attends Vat Purnima observance at Mahatma Phule Wada

A banyan tree worship program at the Mahatma Phule Wada complex, a State-protected monument, has drawn criticism from progressive organizations and political opponents. Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni, a BJP MP, was invited to attend the event despite previous objections from the archaeology department regarding its historical significance and regulations for protected sites. Lawyer Sharada Wadekar, of the Mahatma Jotirao Phule Samata Pratishthan, raised concerns about the violation of regulations while Nitin Pawar, another social activist, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions when conducting events at such sites. The archaeology department provided a timeline of events, explaining that permission was initially denied but later revised after receiving instructions from Mumbai. Dr. Medha Kulkarni defended her participation, stating it was an annual tradition and she did not organize the event.