Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 18 : Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the government over the violence in Nagpur, questioning its response to present-day challenges while focusing on historical figures from centuries ago.
He alleged that the administration remains silent on pressing issues affecting people today.
"The BJP is shameless about this because this incident has happened in the hometown of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, and riots and this is their set formula in every state. If you look at Manipur, that is exactly what they want to convert Maharashtra to," Thackeray said.
He further accused the BJP of diverting attention from present-day governance by invoking historical narratives.
"They are trying to dig up the history of someone who lived 300-400 years ago, but they cannot speak about the future. They cannot speak about the present. The irony is that the grave is protected by the central government", he told ANI.
Aditya also attacked the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and claimed that the BJP was trying to push Maharashtra into a situation similar to Manipur.
Speaking to the media, Aditya Thackeray said, "Why did the CMO not react when rumours of violence were spreading in Nagpur? Whenever such an incident is about to take place, the first report arrives at the Chief Minister of the state and the Home Department. Did they not have any information regarding this? I think the BJP wants to make Maharashtra the next Manipur."
Drawing a comparison with Vietnam, Thackeray emphasised the country's remarkable economic progress despite being smaller and less populous than India, specifically citing its booming electronics industry.
"If you take a look at Manipur, the state has been experiencing violence since 2023. There are conflicts across the state. Will there be investments there or growth in tourism? No. They want to put Maharashtra in the same situation. I was reading today that Vietnam is a smaller country than India, and the population is also less, but their electronic industry is 3 times more. Our country considers itself strong, but the BJP is trying to divide the country into districts, religions, and castes," said Thackeray.
Meanwhile, Nagpur District Collector Dilip Swami assured that the situation in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district was "peaceful". He apprised about the petition submitted by Bajrang Dal members and said that police forces have been put on alert.
He said that police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. The administration has requested people not to spread rumours, the DC added.