The Jain community in Maharashtra has faced a series of confrontations with the BJP-led government throughout the year, straining their traditionally strong alliance. The latest controversy centers on a disputed 3.5-acre land deal in Pune's Model Colony, owned by a trust called SHNST. Established in 1958, the property includes a Jain temple and boarding facility for underprivileged students. The Charity Commissioner approved the sale to Gokhale Constructions earlier this year, triggering widespread protests. Jain monks, community leaders, and alumni allege the deal violates the trust deed, conceals the temple's existence, and abandons its charitable mission. Political tensions rose when Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, Pune's BJP MP, was accused of links to the developer. He has denied these claims. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a status quo on the sale and an inquiry, while Gokhale Constructions withdrew from the deal. This dispute follows earlier friction over a century-old temple demolition in Mumbai, a crackdown on pigeon-feeding enclosures, and the court-ordered relocation of a temple elephant. Despite comprising just 1.25% of Maharashtra's population, Jains wield significant political and economic influence, making this rift politically sensitive for the BJP.
The Pune Land Deal and Political Fallout
The current controversy revolves around SHNST property in Pune's Model Colony. The trust, established in 1958, operates a Jain temple and boarding facility for economically weaker students. Protesters claim the land sale to a private builder disregards the trust's charitable purpose and hides the temple's presence. The issue turned political when allegations surfaced linking Murlidhar Mohol, BJP MP and Union Minister, to the developer. Mohol denied wrongdoing and promised resolution. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis summoned him to Mumbai for talks. The government ordered a freeze on the transaction and launched a legal inquiry. Gokhale Constructions announced its withdrawal from the deal. The SHNST is one of Pune's oldest Jain charitable institutions, and protesters view the sale as betraying their religious and philanthropic legacy.
A Year of Multiple Community Tensions
Several incidents throughout the year strained relations between Jains and the BJP government. In April, Mumbai's civic body demolished parts of a century-old Digambar Jain temple in Vile Parle, citing illegal construction. Thousands marched demanding accountability. In July, the government closed 51 pigeon-feeding enclosures across Mumbai, citing health concerns. These sites hold spiritual importance for Jains as symbols of compassion. The Bombay High Court supported police action against violators. In another dispute, a 36-year-old elephant named Mahadevi was relocated from a Kolhapur Jain Math to Gujarat following a court order, sparking protests. While the BJP deployed senior leaders to contain unrest and Fadnavis partially eased pigeon-feeding restrictions, some Jain leaders acknowledge these events have tested their alliance.
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