Reactions from Leaders Following Nagpur Violence: Conspiracy and Provocation Discussed

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Violence erupted in Nagpur after a protest by VHP and Bajrang Dal supporters.
- Political leaders are blaming each other for the unrest.
- Concerns over law and order in Maharashtra were raised.
- Protestors set fire to symbols related to Aurangzeb.
- Authorities have detained around 50 individuals related to the incident.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The recent unrest in Nagpur has elicited strong responses from political figures across various parties. The turmoil arose following a demonstration by supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, igniting intense discussions about its causes and underlying motives.
Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi denounced the violence, asserting, “This was a deliberate conspiracy, orchestrated through a calculated political plan by those dissatisfied with Maharashtra. This narrative, which started in Delhi, was transported to Maharashtra and executed. There is a clear backdrop of provocation behind this violence. From CM Devendra Fadnavis to his cabinet ministers, inflammatory remarks were made.”
She further criticized the Maharashtra government, stating, “CM Devendra Fadnavis is driving Maharashtra towards underdevelopment, fostering an atmosphere that repels investment in the state. Law and order have collapsed, while you mislead and agitate the populace. It is disgraceful that such violence occurred. Nitin Gadkari himself remarked that no such incident has ever occurred in Nagpur. The so-called 'double-engine' government they tout is truly a 'double disaster' government.”
Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande expressed her alarm, stating, “I vehemently condemn this grave incident. The origins and spread of rumors are perilous and alarming.”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari called for tranquility, asserting, “I earnestly urge the local community to restore peace, harmony, and serenity at all costs, holding the Bharatiya Janata Party and its affiliated organizations, along with the state government, accountable for inciting the already smoldering fire.”
BJP leaders also commented on the situation, labeling it as a conspiracy.
BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule characterized the violence as “unprecedented,” adding, “The unfortunate events that transpired in Nagpur are unlike anything seen before. The manner in which this incident unfolded is clearly a case of conspiracy.”
BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay was more forthright, stating, “In Nagpur, the way Hindu vehicles were ignited, the police were assaulted, and Hindus were targeted, I stand with every Hindu who endured these injustices. The culprits and those behind this conspiracy must be identified, and measures like bulldozer operations should be enacted against them.”
As per police accounts, the violence broke out after VHP and Bajrang Dal supporters assembled near the statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Mahal to protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb.
During the demonstration, they purportedly set fire to a photograph of Aurangzeb and a symbolic grave covered with a green cloth and grass.
This action reportedly triggered rumors that sacred texts had been incinerated, escalating tensions.
As unrest grew, approximately 80-100 individuals turned aggressive, throwing stones at police officers and igniting vehicles. Some reports even indicated that knives were hurled at security forces. The police retaliated with lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Authorities have since arrested around 50 individuals in connection with the violence, and a significant police presence has been deployed to uphold law and order in the vicinity.
As investigations are underway, political leaders are continuing to comment, each attributing blame to the other for the violence that has disrupted peace in Nagpur.