BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Walks Off Stage, Alleges Caste Remark at Pune Event
A felicitation ceremony organised by the organisation SARTHI for successful candidates of the UPSC, MPSC and other competitive examinations in Pune on Friday witnessed an incident in which BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni walked off the stage, alleging that her caste was brought up while deciding the seating arrangement.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present at the event.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Kulkarni said she left because she felt “insulted”. “I felt insulted. I felt bad that at an event meant to felicitate successful students, my caste was brought up. That is why I left the stage,” she said.
According to Kulkarni, as dignitaries were taking their seats, BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar allegedly told her not to sit in the front row because the programme was meant for the Maratha community. Kulkarni said she had no insistence on occupying a front-row seat but objected to caste being cited as the reason.
The event was intended to recognise the achievements of students from various communities. The reported remark has drawn attention to ongoing caste dynamics in the state. No official statement from MLA Pawar or SARTHI organisers has been released at the time of filing this report.
