NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar threatened that any attempts to intimidate the Muslim community or create communal discord would face serious consequences.
While speaking at his iftar party in Mumbai, Pawar emphasised the importance of unity and said that the “real strength lies in the unity.”
“If anyone dares to intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters or tries to create communal discord, they will not be spared,” he said, assuring the community of his support.
“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,” Pawar said.
Assuring the Muslim community of his support, he added, “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.”
Pawar’s remarks came days later the Nagpur violence. Currently, Maharashtra is caught in the communal web where the political debates turned into violence.
On March 17, widespread violence erupted in various areas of Nagpur following rumours about the burning of a “chadar” with sacred inscriptions during demonstrations by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP was protesting for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
The protest, which called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, ignited widespread stone-pelting and arson across several parts of Nagpur.