Amid recent unrest in Nagpur over demands to relocate Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's grave, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has questioned the necessity of confrontations on the issue.
Thackeray pointed out that the controversial ruler had passed away over 300 years ago.
In a pointed remark, Thackeray suggested that if there was a desire to remove Aurangzeb's grave, politicians like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar should be consulted.
His reference to the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, respectively, who are significant BJP allies, was interpreted as a nod to the Muslim populations in their states, particularly with upcoming elections in Bihar.
Thackeray also noted an irony, highlighting that Aurangzeb was born in Gujarat, the ruling party's stronghold. His son, Aaditya Thackeray, further accused the BJP of manufacturing this controversy to divert attention from the state government's shortcomings.
He alleged that the BJP aims to replicate the violence seen in Manipur, referring to the state's recent strife.
The grave of Aurangzeb, a protected historical site under the Archaeological Survey of India, has become the focal point of this controversy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed regret over the central government's decision to protect the grave.
Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur after a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who burned an effigy to symbolize Aurangzeb's grave, inciting community tension. The police have detained 47 individuals involved in the violence, and scores were injured, including law enforcement officers.
Fadnavis addressed the Assembly, suggesting a premeditated conspiracy to incite violence on specific communities. He also referenced 'Chhava,' a film about the Marathas' battle against Aurangzeb, in his remarks, prompting criticism from opposition members like Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Shinde's Shiv Sena faction specifically targeted the Muslim community in its criticisms, labeling supporters of Aurangzeb as "traitors." However, these accusations were rebuked by Uddhav Thackeray, who noted the violence's proximity to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's headquarters, calling on the ruling government to take responsibility.
The Congress party's Vijay Wadettiwar also condemned the ruling coalition, accusing them of deliberately sowing division. Despite a semblance of calm returning to Nagpur, a curfew remains in effect, and group gatherings are prohibited in specific areas as a precaution.