Hindu Seva Sangh Demands Pune Ban, Exile of Vidyanand Bapat During Ganeshotsav
Pune's DJ ban controversy escalates as Hindu Seva Sangh demands Vidyanand Bapat's ban and externment during Ganeshotsav, amid protests, political reactions and growing anger over his statements.
The demand for a DJ ban in Pune has intensified, with the question being raised as to why such a ban cannot be implemented in Pune when it can be imposed in Nagpur. People have taken to the streets demanding a ban on DJs in Pune, while some political leaders have also expressed their views on the issue. Although several people have supported Bapat's campaign, others have opposed it.
Amid the controversy, the Hindu Seva Sangh has now made a major demand. The organisation has sought a ban on Vidyanand Bapat from entering Pune city during the Ganeshotsav period and has also demanded that he be externed from Pune city.
Hindu Seva Sangh president Rohit Marane said that Bapat has repeatedly come into the spotlight by making objectionable statements about Ganpati Bappa, the deity associated with wisdom, and Ganeshotsav, which is identified with Pune's cultural identity, as well as other festivals, in the name of individual freedom.
The organisation has demanded that Vidyanand Bapat be banned from Pune city during Ganeshotsav and externed from the city.
The demand also refers to a request made by Bombay High Court advocate Pradeep Naik. According to the Hindu Seva Sangh, Bapat should issue an unconditional apology within the next 48 hours to Hindu devotees, Ganesh mandals, Ganesh devotees and the Warkari community in Pune for allegedly insulting religious faith in the name of freedom of expression.
The organisation further claimed that Bapat's statements have created two groups within society. It said there is intense anger and resentment against Bapat among Ganesh mandals and Ganesh devotees.
Against this backdrop, the Hindu Seva Sangh has demanded that Bapat be externed from Pune city from September 11, 2026, to September 26, 2026, so that Ganeshotsav in Pune can be celebrated peacefully and joyfully and no law-and-order situation arises in the city.
The demand has added another dimension to the ongoing dispute over DJ and loudspeaker use during Ganeshotsav, with Bapat maintaining his stand while the Hindu Seva Sangh seeking administrative action against him during the festival period.

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