'Those who target Muslims will face action': Ajit Pawar's warning at Iftar party

Maharashtra: Addressing at the iftar party at Marine Lines, Mumbai, on the eve of Ramadan, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar) leader said, "India is a symbol of unity in diversity."We should not get caught in the trap of any forces that try to divide us." "We just celebrated Holi, Gudi Padwa and Eid is coming – all these festivals impart to us that we have to coexist. Let us celebrate it together because that is our strength. I would like to assure you that your brother Ajit Pawar stands with you,"

Ajit Pawar expressed solidarity with muslims

Pawar also stated that Ramadan isn't exclusive to one religion alone and it is a symbol of humanity, self-discipline, and sacrifice. He stated the holy month invokes individuals to relate to the misfortunes of the poor and cleanses the body, soul, and also the mind."Whosoever demonstrates an eye to our Muslim brothers and sisters, if anybody attempts to generate a conflict between two communities and gets law and order into his hands, whoever he may be – he will not be spared, he will not be pardoned," Ajit Pawar went on to state at the function. 

Aurangzeb controversy in Maharashtra

This followed the controversy over Aurangzeb in Maharashtra after the release of the film 'Chhava', with Hindu organisations calling for the tomb of the Mughal emperor to be demolished. Chhaava, a film about the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has cemented his status as a martyr, adding fuel to the anti-Aurangzeb sentiment in Maharashtra. The row became even more important after the headquarters of RSS, Nagpur, saw chaos near Chitnis Park in the Mahal area on Monday, as two groups clashed with one another over an alleged religious book burning that left some policemen injured.

Ajit Pawar

Muslims were not in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The Nagpur Police on Thursday arrested nine more individuals in relation to the March 17 violence, taking the number of arrests to over 100. A curfew was clamped and prohibitory orders were imposed in some areas of the city after the violence. Ajit Pawar had previously condemned Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane after the latter's assertion that Muslims were not in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and described these statements as harmful to the cultural heritage and communal harmony of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra has a huge number of patriotic muslims

Pawar asserted that Shivaji Maharaj never discriminated against anyone on the basis of caste or religion. "Politicians, whether they are in the government or the Opposition, should be careful in making comments, so that communal disharmony is not generated. Maharashtra has a huge number of patriotic Muslims. There is indication that during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, many Muslims played a critical role," he further added.

BJP Vs Congress over Iftar party

While a fresh row broke between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a senior leader of the former party hosted an iftar party at the Pakistan High Commission on Thursday. The BJP criticized Congress following Mani Shankar Aiyar's trip to the Pakistan High Commission, stating, "It is no longer the Indian National Congress. It has become (PPP)a Pakistan-friendly party." Official sources reported that no government official was present at the event. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari stated that "Congress loves Pakistan". "This clearly shows that whether it is Mani Shankar Aiyar or any Congress leader, they love Pakistan in their hearts," said Bhandari.