Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 18: Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Assembly, has launched a fierce criticism against the state government, accusing it of orchestrating the violence in Nagpur, calling the incident a "government-sponsored event."

In a press briefing, Wadettiwar targeted Telangana BJP leader T. Raja, demanding that he be banned in Maharashtra for allegedly instigating violence. "This person, T. Raja, who is of no significance even in his own state, has come here to create unrest. His provocative actions must be halted. Such individuals should be shown their place,” he remarked.

Wadettiwar further stated, "Maharashtra is a land of peace and progress, where all religions are respected. The violence seen in Nagpur, particularly at a religious site, indicates that the state government has encouraged such actions. The BJP holds power both at the Centre and in the state, so they must take responsibility for this."

The Leader of Opposition claimed that if the government had acted promptly and curtailed the actions of T. Raja, the violence could have been avoided.

In contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded firmly in the Assembly, assuring that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence and attacks on police personnel. He emphasized that the state’s law and order would remain intact, with perpetrators facing consequences regardless of their background.

Fadnavis also suggested a premeditated plan behind the violence, indicating that the sequence of events pointed to a deliberate attempt to create turmoil. He urged citizens to maintain peace, especially during religious festivities, and called on communities to be responsible and avoid unnecessary tension.

The unrest in Nagpur began on Monday morning when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal organized a protest demanding the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The protestors, during the demonstration, set fire to a symbolic grave made from bundles of grass. This led to a police case being registered against the demonstrators.

As the situation escalated later in the day, rumors spread that the cloth used for the symbolic grave contained religious texts, further fueling tensions. Around 250 people gathered at the site after Namaz at Attar Road, where they raised slogans and allegedly threatened to set vehicles on fire.

The violence intensified, leading to clashes between protesters and police. The authorities seized large quantities of weapons, stones, and other materials that indicated deliberate efforts to incite violence. Vehicles were set on fire, and several individuals, including 33 police officers, were injured.

In response to the situation, five FIRs were registered, and restrictions on gatherings were imposed across 11 police jurisdictions. To prevent further unrest, five contingents of the State Reserve Police Force were deployed in the affected areas.

Fadnavis also suggested that the violence might be connected to the recent release of the film Chhavaa, which depicted the history of Sambhaji Maharaj and sparked public outrage against Aurangzeb, further exacerbating tensions in the region.