A felicitation programme organised by SARTHI in Pune turned controversial after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni walked out of the venue, alleging that caste was brought into the discussion while deciding the seating arrangement for dignitaries.
The event was organised to honour candidates who had successfully cleared UPSC, MPSC and other competitive examinations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the programme.
According to reports, the controversy unfolded just before the event began when dignitaries were taking their seats. Kulkarni alleged that she was asked not to sit in the front row because the programme was intended for members of the Maratha community. Hurt by the development, she decided to leave the venue despite efforts by senior officials to persuade her to stay.
The incident quickly drew attention as Kulkarni maintained that caste should not influence seating arrangements at an official government function.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar rejected the allegation, stating that his suggestion regarding the seating arrangement was based solely on protocol. He clarified that Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation Chairman Narendra Patil was to be seated in the front row due to his official position and that there was no intention to insult Kulkarni or make any reference to caste.
Pawar also expressed regret if his words had unintentionally hurt anyone’s sentiments, while maintaining that the decision to leave the programme was Kulkarni’s own.
