Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Jain Community Protests Escalate Tensions with BJP in Maharashtra
A group of people called Jains are upset in Maharashtra because they believe an important piece of land belonging to their community is being sold.
This land has a temple and a place for students to stay.
People are protesting because they think the sale is not allowed by the rules and goes against the land's original purpose.
The situation has become political because some leaders from the ruling BJP party are accused of being involved.
The construction company that was going to buy the land is now backing out.
The government has put a pause on the sale to investigate.
This land issue is one of many recent problems between the Jain community and the BJP, which has made their relationship rocky, even though they have been allies in the past.
The BJP is trying to fix things and reassure the community, but some Jains feel their trust in the party has been shaken.
Thousands of Jains are protesting an alleged Rs 300 crore land sale by the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust in Pune.
Protesters allege the sale violates the trust deed and undermines the property's religious and charitable purpose, which includes a temple and boarding facility.
Tensions have risen due to allegations linking BJP MP Murlidhar Mohol to the developer, Gokhale Constructions, which has since withdrawn from the deal.
This land dispute is part of a series of confrontations between the Jain community and the BJP government this year, straining their traditional alliance.
The Maharashtra government has ordered a status quo on the land deal and initiated an inquiry, while BJP leaders attempt to mediate and reassure the community.
- Who
- Jain community, Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust (SHNT), Gokhale Constructions, BJP, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
- What
- The Jain community is protesting against the alleged sale of a historic trust property in Pune, leading to political tensions with the ruling BJP, with allegations against a BJP MP and government intervention to order a status quo and inquiry.
- When
- Protests have occurred over the past few days and throughout the year; the Pune land deal controversy has escalated recently.
- Where
- Maharashtra, with specific focus on Pune for the land deal, and other locations like Vile Parle, Mumbai, and Kolhapur for related incidents.
- Why
- Protests stem from a controversial land deal alleged to violate the trust deed, conceal a temple, and undermine charitable purposes. This incident is part of a series of confrontations between the Jain community and the BJP government, including temple demolitions and restrictions on pigeon feeding, straining their traditionally strong ties.
Jain Community & Protesters
BJP Government & Supporters
Legality and Ethics of Land Sale
Jain Community & Protesters
Allege the sale violates the trust deed, conceals the temple's existence, undermines charitable purpose, and is a 'betrayal' of legacy.
BJP Government & Supporters
The government has ordered a status quo and inquiry; BJP leaders state they are working towards a solution as per the community's wishes and that past actions (like setting up a Jain Minority Development Corporation) show support.
Allegations Against BJP MP Murlidhar Mohol
Jain Community & Protesters
Accused Mohol of having links with the private builder involved in the land deal.
BJP Government & Supporters
Mohol has denied the allegations and assured amicable resolution; Chief Minister summoned him for discussions.
Overall Relationship with BJP Government
Jain Community & Protesters
Feel forced to agitate despite a 'friendly' government, leading to 'rancour' over a string of events (temple demolition, pigeon feeding ban, elephant relocation).
BJP Government & Supporters
Argue recent flare-ups are coincidental, not political; highlight positive actions taken for the community and state that protests are part of democracy.
- Affected Trust
- Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust (SHNT)
- Property Location
- Model Colony, Pune, Maharashtra
- Property Details
- 3.5-acre land with Jain temple and boarding facility
- Alleged Buyer
- Gokhale Constructions
- Alleged Sale Price
- Rs 300 crore
- Government Action
- Status quo ordered on land deal; inquiry into legality
- Community
- Jain community
- Political Figure Involved
- Murlidhar Mohol (BJP MP)
Sources
Pune: Charity Commissioner Extends Status Quo On Seth Hirachand Nemchand Trust Till Oct 30
As trust agrees to cancel sale of Jain hostel & temple, Charity Commissioner extends status quo
Jain trust property row: Charity Commissioner extends status quo to facilitate filing of replies
In Maharashtra, amid growing Jain ire, why BJP is struggling to mend the ties
