Violence Erupts in Nagpur: The unexpected outbreak of violent clashes that transpired in Nagpur on Monday has sparked inquiries regarding its origins. Was it provoked by Vicky Kaushal’s film Chhaava? Or was it a response to Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi’s comments on Aurangzeb within the Maharashtra Assembly? Alternatively, did a statement from AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi incite the turmoil? Leaders within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance are currently on a quest to attribute blame for the disturbances that erupted in Nagpur.
‘Owaisi Provokes Violence to Assert Authority’
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske held AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accountable on Tuesday for the violence in Nagpur.
The Shiv Sena MP stated, “The entire nation understands that individuals like Owaisi engage in such actions to validate their leadership. They attempt to solidify their position by instigating riots. There must be a thorough investigation into who is instigating this chaos.”
Mhaske also highlighted the communal strain stemming from the Nagpur violence, asserting, “Stones were thrown, vehicles ignited, all prompted by the sight of certain surnames.”
“The CCTV footage clearly reveals the individuals behind the disturbances. Locals have reported that a large number of outsiders gathered and initiated stone-pelting. The surnames of those apprehended make it evident who orchestrated this incident,” Mhaske continued.
On Tuesday, an accusation was directed at the Maharashtra government for an intelligence oversight concerning the recent Nagpur violence, suggesting that provocative remarks by ministers contributed to the unrest.
‘Abu Azmi is the Culprit Behind This’
Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane attributed the responsibility for the Nagpur violence to Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi.
Nitesh Rane declared, “Abu Azmi is the one accountable for this. He initiated this issue. This violence was premeditated, aimed at tarnishing the government’s reputation. We will not relent against those who assault our police personnel. Strict measures will be enforced.”
During his tenure, India’s GDP constituted 24% of the global GDP, and the nation was often referred to as a “golden sparrow” due to its economic affluence. He defended Aurangzeb as a capable administrator, suggesting that India flourished under his governance. However, the SP leader subsequently retracted his remarks.
Is Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava to Blame?
In the Maharashtra Assembly, it was remarked that Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava has ‘inflamed the public’s sentiments against Aurangzeb.’
“Chhaava”, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a historical narrative that vividly portrays the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film has gained attention for depicting Sambhaji’s courage and defiance against the Mughal Empire, particularly under Aurangzeb’s reign, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna.
Rumors of a Holy Text Being Burned
Initial local reports suggested that rumors regarding the burning of a holy book by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, alongside protests advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, triggered the violence in Nagpur’s Mahal.
The demonstration was organized by groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, allegedly incinerating a cloth inscribed with “kalma”, resulting in major uproar among the Muslim community.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that at 11:30 am on Monday, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal conducted a protest in the Mahal area of Nagpur, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. They also constructed a symbolic grave using hay and set it ablaze, he noted.
