Congress leader Pawan Khera has blamed the BJP-led government for the violence that erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order. He also questioned how unrest could occur in a city with a 300-year history of communal harmony and accused certain political parties of deliberately provoking tensions for their own political gains.
“A riot broke out in Mahal, the hometown of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. Nagpur has a 300-year-old history, and no riot has ever happened here before. We should ask why such a situation has arisen,” Khera stated.
He pointed out that the BJP is in power at both the Centre and the state, and questioned the lack of arrangements to maintain peace when the VHP and Bajrang Dal organized protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. “If the VHP and Bajrang Dal organized a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, did the government make no arrangements to maintain law and order?” Khera asked.
The Congress leader accused some political parties of provoking people for their own political interests. “A game is being played, and the city’s 300-year-old history is being turned into an issue. Do not fall victim to this game. Maintaining peace is in our best interest,” he added.
“A few political parties provoke people and think that their political interests lie in this. We have to avoid such politics. Peace is important for us,” Khera concluded.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP chief and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged Nagpur residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours after the violent clashes. A mob of nearly 1,000 people engaged in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, injuring police personnel and damaging several vehicles and homes.
Bawankule emphasized the importance of preventing misinformation and assured the public that an investigation would uncover the cause of the unrest. “The priority is to restore peace in society and prevent the spread of rumours. An investigation will later reveal why the unrest occurred. But the people of Nagpur should not believe in rumours and should support the police administration. The police are trying to maintain peace. All of us have urged everyone to maintain peace and uphold the prestige of Nagpur city. I urge all political parties and politicians in Maharashtra to come together and make an effort to ensure peace in society. People must understand that rioters will be identified by the police. But do not turn this incident into a political issue,” Bawankule said.
Following the violence, Nagpur Police issued prohibitory orders in the city, detained over 20 people, and are analyzing CCTV footage and video clips to identify the culprits. An FIR is being registered, and authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate.