Tensions rise as Aurangzeb poster displayed during jayanti celebration

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The political atmosphere in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has grown tense following the display of an Aurangzeb poster during a public event. On Wednesday, a video surfaced on social media showing a youth dancing with the poster during the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations held the previous day. Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar has issued orders for strict action against those involved.

Incident Details

While the Ambedkar Jayanti processions on Tuesday passed off largely without incident due to heavy police security, the controversy erupted the following day.

A video was uploaded by a profile named MR_NOMANSHAIKH03, showing a young man dancing with a poster of Aurangzeb amidst the procession. As the video went viral, it sparked widespread indignation across the city. Deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal met with the commissioner of police to demand immediate and stringent action, leading to an assurance from the Commissioner that the perpetrators would be dealt with firmly.

A History of Provocation

This is not the first time such incidents have been used to disturb the city's peace. Similar provocations have occurred over the last few years:

March 2023: Posters were displayed during protests regarding the city's renaming, resulting in a case at the City Chowk Police Station.

June 2023: Following tensions in Kolhapur and Ahilyanagar over images of Aurangzeb, similar disputes broke out locally. Police filed charges under Section 153(A) for promoting enmity between different groups.

February-March 2024: Another instance of an Aurangzeb poster being displayed occurred during a religious procession.

Official Stance

Deputy Mayor Rajendra Janjal condemned the act, saying, "The deliberate display of an Aurangzeb poster during the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is a serious attempt to incite conflict in the city. I have formally lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Police, who has promised strict legal consequences."