Statements by some politicians on riot-like situation and display of Aurangzeb's photos not coincidence: Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said statements of some politicians fearing a riot-like situation in the state and a section of people of a particular community glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan cannot be a mere coincidence.

He was speaking to reporters in Navi Mumbai against the backdrop of some youths displaying photos of 17th Century Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in a procession in Ahmednagar and tension in Kolhapur city on Wednesday over the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image along with an objectionable audio message as social media “status” by some locals.

Responding to a query on the Kolhapur incident wherein police used force to disperse a crowd that objected to the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image, Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, said some politicians had been saying that there could be a riot-like situation in the state.

"Responding to comments of these leaders, youths of a particular community showcased pictures of Aurangzeb. They also glorified Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. It cannot be a mere coincidence. Why suddenly these images have been displayed in various districts of Maharashtra? It does not happen easily or automatically. As it cannot be a mere coincidence, we will have to dig deeper into this matter,” he said.

He said a probe should be conducted to identify the people who are instigating youths.

Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had claimed "The rulers are responsible to establish law and order in the state. If the ruling parties and their people come out on roads and create a rift between two religions, then it is not a good sign".

Without taking names, Fadnavis said “I can easily see that all these leaders are talking the same language. People of a particular community are helping them and glorifying Aurangzeb. The riot-like situation is taking place in some areas only because people of a particular community are glorifying Aurangzeb”.

The BJP leader further said any kind of glorification of Aurangzeb would not be tolerated in Maharashtra.

“Maharashtra follows the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We all have seen some leaders attempting to show Aurangzeb as a patriot. We will have to inquire how some leaders talk the same language and how they receive a quick response," Fadnavis added.