Fadnavis: In the midst of rising tension in Kolhapur city over social media posts allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), accused outsiders of instigating the violent protests. Raut also criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the increasing frequency of communal clashes in the state.
During a press interaction, Raut expressed his belief that the people of Kolhapur were not involved in the clashes and suggested that outsiders were brought in to disrupt the situation. He questioned the reasons behind these recurring incidents since the current government came into power. Raut further challenged the strength of Fadnavis’ Hindutva ideology, questioning the need to resort to tactics associated with Aurangzeb to secure electoral victories.
Raut’s remarks came in response to a rally organised by Hindu organizations, which escalated into violence as some individuals targeted homes, businesses, and vehicles owned by the Muslim community. In order to restore order, the Rapid Action Force and the State Reserve Police Force were deployed, and prohibitory orders were imposed, restricting public gatherings until June 19. The Kolhapur police have taken action by arresting 36 individuals and detaining three juveniles in connection with the clashes. Multiple FIRs have been filed, and approximately 400 individuals have been booked for their involvement in the violent incidents.
Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut Questions Fadnavis: “Do You Need Aurangzeb to Win Polls?” Amidst Kolhapur Violence
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state’s Home Minister, defended the actions of Hindutva groups and called for peace. Fadnavis justified the reactions to the glorification of Aurangzeb, emphasizing that such acts would not be tolerated in Maharashtra, which he referred to as “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maharashtra.”
Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized Fadnavis and demanded his resignation, holding him responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole called for an “experienced and competent” individual to be appointed as the head of the Home Department. Patole accused the BJP of deliberately creating communal tension for their political gains and expressed concern about the safety of women and girls in Mumbai, citing the recent tragic incident of the rape and murder of an 18-year-old college student in her hostel room.
The developments in Kolhapur have raised concerns about communal harmony and the need for effective governance to maintain peace and security. As tensions continue to simmer, it remains crucial for political leaders to address the root causes of such incidents and work towards fostering a tolerant and inclusive society.
Amidst the unsettling tension in Kolhapur city due to the alleged glorification of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan in social media posts, Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), launched a scathing attack on Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Raut accused Fadnavis of being complicit in the violence, pointing to the involvement of outsiders and the escalating communal clashes in the state under the leadership of Eknath Shinde.
During a press briefing, Raut expressed his disbelief that the local people of Kolhapur were responsible for the clashes, alleging that individuals from outside the city were purposely brought in to incite trouble. He raised questions about the frequency of such incidents since Fadnavis assumed power, challenging the Chief Minister’s commitment to Hindutva. Raut provocatively asked whether Fadnavis required the tactics of Aurangzeb to secure electoral victories, implying a critique of the Chief Minister’s political strategies.
Raut’s comment alludes to historical figures to question Fadnavis’ methods.
The recent violence erupted during a rally organized by Hindu organizations, which quickly spiraled out of control as a group of miscreants targeted properties and vehicles belonging to the Muslim community. The situation demanded immediate intervention, leading to the deployment of the Rapid Action Force and the State Reserve Police Force. In an effort to maintain order, prohibitory orders were issued, prohibiting public gatherings until June 19. The Kolhapur police promptly responded by apprehending 36 individuals and detaining three juveniles involved in the clashes. Multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, resulting in the booking of approximately 400 individuals associated with the violent incidents.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the position of Home Minister, defended the actions of the Hindutva outfits while simultaneously urging peace. Fadnavis justified the reactions to the alleged glorification of Aurangzeb, stressing that such behavior would not be tolerated in Maharashtra, a state he characterized as being synonymous with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
However, opposition leaders seized the opportunity to criticize Fadnavis and demanded his resignation, attributing the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra to his leadership. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole called for the appointment of an “experienced and competent” individual to head the Home Department, insinuating that Fadnavis had failed in his responsibilities. Patole further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting communal tensions for political gains, expressing deep concern over the safety of women and girls in Mumbai in light of the recent tragic incident involving the rape and murder of an 18-year-old college student in her hostel room.