Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has assured strict action against anyone attempting to intimidate the Muslim community or create communal disharmony. Speaking at an Iftar gathering in Mumbai, Pawar stressed the importance of unity and social harmony.
“If anyone dares to intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters or tries to create communal discord, they will not be spared,” he stated, reaffirming his support for the community.
Call for Communal Harmony
Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), highlighted the significance of festivals like Holi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid in promoting togetherness. He urged citizens to uphold India’s legacy of unity and diversity, drawing inspiration from historical figures.
“Many great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. BR Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, and others have shown the path of social progress by taking along all religions and castes. We have to carry forward this legacy. India is a symbol of unity and diversity. We have just celebrated Holi, and now Gudi Padwa and Eid are approaching. These festivals teach us to live together. Our real strength lies in unity,” he said.
Reassuring the Muslim community, he reiterated, “Your brother Ajit Pawar is with you. If anyone dares to intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters or tries to create communal discord, they will not be spared.”
Iftar Gatherings and Political Participation
Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) organized an Iftar gathering in New Delhi, attended by several prominent political leaders. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and MP Shashi Tharoor were present, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MP Jaya Bachchan.
The month of Ramzan, considered the most sacred in the Islamic calendar, is marked by fasting (Roza) from dawn until sunset. It is a time of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual reflection.
Political Tensions Over Nagpur Violence
Maharashtra has recently witnessed intense political debates over the Nagpur violence, which erupted amid the Mahayuti government’s demand to remove Aurangzeb’s grave from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The opposition has criticized the state government’s handling of the situation.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hit back at the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, drawing a parallel between himself and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He accused the opposition of compromising their principles for political gains.