Increase in communal tension in the state; Oppn blames failure of police, intelligence department

Despite the state's history of maintaining communal harmony, communal tension or violence have erupted in eight cities of the state in the last two-and-a-half to three months. This has to be considered a failure of the Home Department and the Intelligence Department. The opposition is alleging that the ruling party is deliberately heating up the atmosphere in the background of the elections to be held next year.

Since the end of March, communal tensions have been on the rise in the state. Since the Ram Navami celebrations till now, there have been instances of communal tension or violence in Sambhajinagar, Malad Malvani in Mumbai, Shevgaon in Akola Nagar and Sangamner, Jalgaon. Two weeks ago, Satej Patil, the former Minister of State for Home Affairs and Congress group leader in the Legislative Council, had warned that there would be communal riots in Kolhapur soon. The fear expressed by Patil has come true.

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Two died in the violence in Akola and Sambhajinagar. One of them died in police firing in Sambhajinagar. It is being questioned as to how the communal atmosphere in the state has become so bad in such a short period of time. This has to be considered a failure of the Home Department or the Intelligence Department. Devendra Fadnavis was the Chief Minister and handled the Home Account competently. A picture has been created that Fadnavis's Home Account is failing to handle the law and order situation. A bandh and march was called for in Kolhapur on Tuesday itself. Still, a large crowd gathered on Wednesday. The question is also being raised as to why the police did not stop the crowd.

The reason for the name change?

Officials of the Home Department have observed that the atmosphere in the state has started to deteriorate since the decision to change the names of Aurangabad and Osmanabad was made. It is also said that the attack on processions in Sambhaji Nagar and Malad Malvani during Ram Navami was a pre-planned conspiracy.

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Which city ever had a conflict?

• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar- (Rama Navami – March 31)

Stone pelting on Ram Navami procession. One person killed in police firing, 76 still in custody. Nine of them are minors

• Mumbai – Malad Malvani – (Ramanavami – March 31)

Controversy over loud loudspeakers during Ram Navami procession. A case has been filed against 300 people.

• Jalgaon-Paldhi - (Ram Navami - March 31)

Argument over installation of loud loudspeakers in front of the place of worship. 45 people arrested

• Akola (May 13)

Riots over social media posts. 1 killed, 10 injured, more than 100 arrested

• Nagar - Shevgaon (May 14)

Controversy over the procession on the occasion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti. 30 people arrested and case registered against 150 people.

• Argument over sandal practice in front of the temple. 4 people arrested. Inquiry order by Special Investigation Team Sangamner (June 6)
  
  
• Stone pelting in Samnapur village as soon as the march against Love Jihad ended, Kolhapur (June 7)

Confusion over offensive pictures on social media, use of force by the police, minor Hindu-Muslim clashes have been taking place in various parts of the state in the past six months. There is no need to tell who is behind this. Considering the upcoming elections, the atmosphere is being polluted by the ruling party itself. This is a failure of the Home Account and Intelligence Department, said Satej Patil, former Minister of State for Home Affairs and Congress leader.