NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP government on Tuesday over their handling of violence in Nagpur, claiming they were trying to create a Manipur-like situation in the state.
The accusations came after violent incidents erupted in Nagpur following protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal over alleged burning of religious items.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis characterized the Nagpur violence as a “well-planned attack” while addressing the legislative assembly.

“In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt. It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands,” Fadnavis said.
Thackeray questioned the government’s response to the violence and criticized the chief minister’s Office for its alleged inaction.
“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,” Thackeray said.
Thackeray also drew comparisons with Vietnam’s economic progress, particularly in the electronics industry, suggesting that internal conflicts hinder development.
“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,” Thackeray stated.
Fadnavis reported that 33 police personnel were injured, including three deputy commissioners of police, with one DCP being attacked with an axe. Five civilians were also injured, with three discharged and one remaining in ICU.
“We have got a trolley of stones from the violence spots – some specified houses and institutions were targeted. One DCP was attacked by an Axe. We will surely take action, and those who have taken law and order into their own hands will not be spared. Attack on police will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis added.
The chief minister linked people’s anger to the recent movie “Chhava” and called for peace.
“The Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion,” Fadnavis said.
Tensions escalated in the assembly premises as Mahayuti leaders and opposition members confronted each other, raising competing slogans about Aurangzeb’s tomb and the government’s handling of riots.
BJP MLA Pravin Datke visited the violence-affected Hansapuri area and suggested the incidents were premeditated.
“This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There’s a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned,” Datke said.
In response to the tensions, authorities imposed a curfew in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The restrictions, announced by Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, apply to eleven police station limits including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.