Riot-like situation in Maharashtra due to Aurangzeb’s ‘auladein’, says Fadnavis

He was speaking 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 by some people on their social media status.

Speaking to reporters in Navi Mumbai, Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, said the acts of glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb will not be tolerated in Maharashtra. He said a probe would be conducted to identify the people who are instigating a section of youths.

“Some politicians have been saying that there could be a riot-like situation in the state. Responding to the 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,” he said.

Security personnel attempt to disperse agitators objecting to the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image along with an objectionable audio message as social media status by some locals, in Kolhapur district, June 7, 2023. (PTI)

Later in Nagpur, Fadnavis said suddenly Aurangzeb’s “auladein” (progenies) have taken birth in Maharashtra but the government will find out the people responsible for creating the law and order situation.

“Displaying Aurangzeb’s photos and keeping a mobile status (on Tipu Sultan); this is creating tension in society. We will find the real culprits who are deliberately disturbing the law and order and defaming the state,” he said.

Fadnavis also said there is a “definite design” at work behind people flashing posters of Aurangzeb and Opposition leaders making statements about the possibility of riots.

Urging the people to maintain restrain, the CM said, “It is the state government’s responsibility to maintain law and order in the state. I appeal to the citizens to maintain peace and calm. Police probe is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty.”

Maharashtra | Kolhapur Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar is holding a meeting with SP, DM and other senior officers of police and administration at the DM office of Kolhapur city to review the law and order situation.

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/k75gG4KXKS

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023

“I am in touch with the administration of Kolhapur. I urge people to not take the law into their hands…,” Shinde added.

The remarks came after a video of a procession was widely shared Sunday where a man could be seen holding a poster of Aurangzeb in Ahmednagar’s Mukundnagar area.

Kolhapur district police are also probing a social media status message showing an image of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan accompanied by the same objectionable comment used with Aurangzeb poster in Ahmednagar incident.

“Who is behind it? What are their plans? All these will be investigated in depth. The question is why individuals belonging to a certain community are suddenly expressing support for Aurangzeb,” said Fadnavis adding the law and order situation in Maharashtra will not be compromised at any cost.

Maharashtra | There was a complaint in Kolhapur yesterday about an objectionable status. Accordingly, two offences were registered and 5 people were detained. A mob had gathered outside Laxmipuri PS demanding legal action against them. When it was returning, some miscreants… pic.twitter.com/GGdaLTZTok

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023

“Maharashtra will not allow the glorification of Aurangzeb at any cost. This is a state that has always worshipped and revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We follow the footsteps of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule,” he added.

State Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar  who is and the guardian minister of Kolhapur district said that six people have been arrested by the Kolhapur police in relation to displaying posters of Aurangzeb and that he has called a meeting of the representatives of all the organisations who had called for the protest rallies.

“The situation is under control now. I have called a meeting of the representatives of all the organisations who had called for protest rallies on Thursday,” Kesarkar said.