Amid the violence and protests in Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Chhaava' reignited people's anger towards Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Speaking in the state legislative assembly, the BJP leader said that movie, which is based on life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, brought "the true history of the Maratha king."
"After that (the movie), people's emotions have been reignited. The anger against Aurangzeb is being exhibited in a big way," he added.
Following the protests calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and violence, a curfew was imposed in Nagpur city.
The Chief Minister further stated that the attacks of violence in the city "Seemed premeditated."
"The mob targeted specific houses and establishments. It (the attack) appears to be premeditated. There appears to be a pre-planned pattern for some people. Action will certainly be taken against them, and whoever has attacked police personnel will not be spared. Normalcy is being restored," said Fadnavis.
Echoing Fadnavis' statement, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said the movie 'Chhaava' stoked people's sentiments against 17th century Mughal king Aurangzeb.
ALSO READ | 'Chhaava' And The Larger-Than-Life Sambhaji
"Demands are being raised about Aurangzeb's grave, a movement is going on. The grave has been there for 500 years, but after watching the Chhaava movie, the way he murdered Sambhaji Maharaj, that has made people angry," Athawale told reporters outside Parliament.
Opposition Blames BJP For Violence
Opposition MPs have the BJP-led Maharashtra government for recent violence in Nagpur. AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated that the violence was part of a "bigger conspiracy."
"BJP had been trying to spread hatred in Nagpur and the whole of Maharashtra for a long time. As long as the BJP is there, there cannot be peace in India. Ahead of Holi, they tried to disrupt peace in Uttar Pradesh, what is the reason behind it? It is so that people can't talk about the crashing share market, economic disparity is at its highest in hundred years, there is unemployment," he told reporters.
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram stated it was "unfortunate that in 21st-century India, people are agitating over the history of the 17th and 18th centuries."
"It is most unfortunate this kind of violence has broken, the state and Union government must take steps to quell it. I am baffled why this violence happened," he told the reporters outside the Parliament.
Furthermore, Azad Samaj Party MP Chandra Shekhar stated that with Chhaava and the violence in Nagpur, the government was trying to distract attention from real issues such as unemployment and poverty.
"Riots, whether in Nagpur, Manipur, or Uttar Pradesh, are not good. There should be strict action against those who are behind the violence, whether they are BJP leaders or Congress leaders," he said.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange also claimed that violence in the city was "sponsored" by the Mahayuti government and blamed CM Fadnavis for the unrest "They (government) are giving protection to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave (located in Chhatrapati Samabhajinagar district), and at the same time there is a demand (from right-wing outfits) for its removal," said Jarange.
What Happened In Nagpur?
Violence in Nagpur began on March 17, after rumours spread that the holy book of Quran was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing group for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. This led to stone-pelting and vandalism, leaving many injured.
As per PTI, another clash broke out in the Hansapuri area near the Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm on Monday. The report further added that an unruly mob burnt several vehicles and vandalised houses, and a clinic in the area.
