Nagpur Violence Sparks Bitter Exchange Between Fadnavis and Opposition
Mumbai : A curfew has been enforced in multiple parts of Nagpur after 33 police officers and five civilians were injured during clashes on Monday evening, which erupted over the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the opposition engaged in a heated exchange on Tuesday, following violent clashes in Nagpur over calls to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb out of the state.
Fadnavis, along with his deputy Eknath Shinde, accused the violence of being part of a “premeditated conspiracy” aimed at targeting specific homes and businesses. They suggested that the release of the new Hindi film Chhava , depicting the conflict between Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son Sambhaji and Aurangzeb’s forces, had fueled public anger.
The Chief Minister also pointed to rumors spread on Monday evening about a religious symbol on a symbolic grave and explained in the Assembly, “We received a cartload of stones from the violence-stricken areas, where certain houses and institutions were specifically targeted. One Deputy Commissioner was attacked with an axe. Those who break the law will be held accountable. Attacks on the police will not be tolerated.”
Fadnavis added, “‘Chhava’ has sparked anger toward Aurangzeb, but everyone must maintain peace. The law must prevail. Any acts of rioting will be addressed, regardless of caste or religion.”
Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned that complaints from Muslim individuals had been recorded.
Shinde, who had previously served as Chief Minister before a demotion following last year’s election, supported Fadnavis, claiming the violence was part of a “pre-planned conspiracy to target a specific community.”
A patriotic Muslim would never support Aurangzeb,” said Eknath Shinde to reporters, adding, “In Nagpur, there were protests. The police intervened between the two groups, but then anti-social elements got involved…”
Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari was more cautious in his remarks, acknowledging that “certain rumours” had caused religious tension in the city. He emphasized, “Nagpur is known for maintaining peace in such situations. I urge my brothers not to believe in rumours…”
While Fadnavis and Shinde did not directly address the opposition in their statements, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske was more direct, claiming, “Opposition leaders in Maharashtra had predicted riots, and this seems like a conspiracy from the opposition.”
BJP state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also accused the opposition of a “conspiracy.”
On the other hand, the opposition, led by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, alleged a “conspiracy” by the BJP, accusing the party of attempting to divide society along religious lines and hinder state development.
Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi commented, “This was a conspiracy… carried out under a well-planned political strategy by those who have issues with Maharashtra. This narrative, originating from Delhi, was brought here and executed… there’s a clear provocation behind it.”
Aditya Thackeray posted on X, “The law and order situation in the state has collapsed like never before. Nagpur, the hometown of the Chief Minister and Home Minister, is facing this crisis.”
A curfew has been enforced in several areas of Nagpur.