Trouble for BJP in Pune as Two Office-Bearers Booked in Separate Crimes Against Women

Pune, June 26, 2025 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Pune is grappling with intense public scrutiny after two of its office-bearers were booked in separate cases of crimes against women, just as the city gears up for the much-anticipated civic body elections. The twin incidents have triggered a political storm, with opposition parties seizing the moment to question BJP's commitment to women's safety and ethical leadership.

Two FIRs in Less Than 48 Hours

In the first case, Kiran Shinde, a local BJP youth wing leader, was booked under Sections 354 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code for alleged outraging the modesty of a woman and issuing threats. The FIR, filed at the Shivajinagar Police Station, alleges that Shinde harassed a woman colleague during a party meeting, which took place last week.

The second case involves Meenal Pathak, a ward-level BJP women’s wing leader, who has been accused of abetting harassment in a domestic violence complaint lodged by her sister-in-law. The FIR, registered at the Kothrud Police Station, includes charges under Section 498A and Section 34 IPC, commonly invoked in cases of cruelty within the household.

Both cases are in preliminary investigation stages, but the political ramifications have already begun.

For legal context, readers can refer to India Code’s detailed listing of IPC Sections 354 and 498A.

Opposition Slams BJP, Demands Accountability

The Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) have wasted no time in calling out the ruling party.

“This is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a culture of impunity,” said Prithviraj Dhanorkar, a senior Congress leader. “The BJP talks about ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ while sheltering people accused of harassing women.”

Sanjay Jagtap, the Shiv Sena’s city spokesperson, demanded the immediate suspension of both office-bearers and called for a zero-tolerance policy.

Meanwhile, NCP’s Pune leader Reshma Gaikwad added, “The civic polls are near, and Pune’s women deserve to know if political parties will protect them or ignore their suffering.”

For a broader analysis of crimes against women in Indian politics, The Print offers regular investigative reporting.

BJP in Damage Control Mode

While the BJP’s Pune leadership initially remained tight-lipped, pressure from media and political rivals led to a brief statement late Wednesday evening.

“Both individuals have been asked to step aside from active responsibilities until investigations conclude,” said BJP Pune district president Murlidhar Mohol. “The party will cooperate fully with law enforcement and take strict internal action if the allegations are proven.”

However, BJP insiders privately admitted that the timing of the cases — coinciding with early campaigning for Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections — has put the party’s public image at risk.

For updates on PMC election schedules and political developments, visit Election Commission of Maharashtra’s official portal.

Civic Polls Complicate Political Optics

Pune’s civic elections, expected in November 2025, are already witnessing high-stakes maneuvering. With voter turnout among urban women rising steadily in recent years, allegations of gender-based crimes involving political figures could become a pivotal election issue.

“Women voters in Pune are educated, informed, and politically aware,” said Dr. Shubhangi Gokhale, a political analyst from Symbiosis School of Public Policy. “Parties seen as indifferent to crimes against women may face a silent backlash at the ballot box.”

For in-depth coverage of Pune civic issues, Indian Express Pune edition continues to provide localized political reporting.

Media and Civil Society React

The cases have reignited calls for internal party accountability mechanisms across political parties. Civil rights organizations such as Majlis Legal Centre and Sakhi have emphasized the need for political units to establish independent internal complaints committees (ICCs), especially during poll seasons.

“This isn’t about party affiliation; it’s about protecting women in political spaces,” said Advocate Noorjehan Safia Niaz, co-founder of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan. “We want every party to publish a code of conduct before elections.”

To understand the legal framework on workplace harassment, Ministry of Women & Child Development guidelines offer valuable insights.

Conclusion: Accountability on Trial

As Pune prepares for an election season that will shape its governance for the next five years, the BJP’s ability to manage internal discipline and deliver on its public pledges of women’s safety is under sharp public scrutiny.

Whether these cases will lead to electoral consequences remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly shifted the narrative from campaign promises to uncomfortable realities. And in an increasingly vocal democracy, that could make all the difference at the polls.