‘Failure of home department’: Opposition slams Maharashtra govt over Nagpur clashes

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties in Maharashtra strongly criticised the state government over the violence in Nagpur and blamed the administration for its failure to maintain

law and order

.
Maharashtra Congress chief

Harshvardhan Sapkal

called the clashes a "complete failure" of the home department and accused ministers of deliberately making provocative speeches to incite tensions.
"Stone-pelting and arson in Nagpur is extremely unfortunate. This is the failure of the home department, which could not prevent the situation despite clear signs of unrest. Ministers have been making inflammatory statements over the past few days, and their efforts seem to have succeeded in creating tension in Nagpur," Sapkal said as per the news agency ANI.
He also accused the ruling Mahayuti of using

communal tensions

to divert attention from pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and farmers’ distress. "Maharashtra is facing major challenges such as rising prices, lack of MSP for farmers, and unfulfilled promises of loan waivers. Instead of addressing these problems, the government is busy fueling divisions," he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey also held the state government responsible for the violence, saying that maintaining law and order was its primary duty. "The violence in Nagpur, where vehicles were set on fire and stones were pelted, shows the government’s complete failure. The Chief Minister and Home Minister must answer for this lawlessness. People of different religions have lived in peace in Nagpur for years, but this government has failed to take everyone along," Dubey said.

Congress leader Atul Londe echoed similar sentiments, condemning the violence and urging the people of Nagpur to maintain peace. "Nagpur has always been a peaceful city. Such incidents have never occurred before. But I strongly condemn the political actions that have led to this situation," he said.

Reacting to the incident, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan said, "We received information about the violence that broke out in Nagpur. We condemn this. The

Maharashtra government

should investigate its cause."

The criticism from the opposition comes after violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday evening following rumours.
The clashes led to stone-pelting, arson, and injuries to several police personnel.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed for calm, assuring that the police and administration are in control of the situation.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari has also urged people not to fall prey to rumours and maintain peace. Meanwhile, authorities have imposed Section 144 in the affected areas and police have intensified security to prevent further violence.