The Congress on Tuesday strongly criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the recent communal clashes in Nagpur, which left over 30 people injured and prompted the imposition of a curfew in several areas. The violence erupted on Monday evening following tensions over a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal expressed shock over the unrest in Nagpur, a city known for its communal harmony. Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, Sapkal said, “Nagpur is a nearly 300-year-old city where such riots have never occurred. People here have always lived together peacefully. The fact that violence has broken out now is surprising and reflects the government’s failure. However, this is not the time for politics. The Congress appeals for peace.”

Sapkal also targeted Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, for the deteriorating law and order situation. “Nagpur is the CM’s hometown, and as Home Minister, he is responsible for maintaining peace. His ministers are provoking people by raising the Aurangzeb issue because they have failed on all other fronts. I urge them not to compromise law and order for political gains,” he added.

The clashes, which took place in the Mahal area of Nagpur, resulted in over 60 arrests and the torching of around 30 vehicles. In response to the violence, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury submitted a suspension notice in the Rajya Sabha, calling for a discussion on the “complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order” in Nagpur.

The notice stated, “This House should suspend zero hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on the complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing it of diverting attention from pressing issues. “The government is instigating violence and creating instability to keep citizens distracted from the state’s financial crisis, rising debt, unemployment, and farmer suicides. Maharashtra is being strategically made unattractive for investment to benefit neighbouring states,” she alleged.

Chaturvedi further claimed, “Under Eknath Shinde’s leadership, businesses were driven to Gujarat at Maharashtra’s expense. Now, under the current CM, the state is being made unviable for investment, forcing businesses to move out. This is shameless.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the violence in the Maharashtra Assembly, stating that the protests were organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

He alleged that rumours about religious items being burnt had fueled the clashes. “It appears to be a well-planned attack. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Attacks on the police will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken,” Fadnavis assured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, hailed the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He attributed its grandeur to the collective efforts of the people of India, especially those from Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj.

“I bow to the countrymen whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is a result of countless contributions. I thank the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the event as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity and unity, he remarked that differences faded away during the Maha Kumbh, underscoring India’s deep-rooted spirit of oneness.

A global spectacle of faith and devotion

PM Modi emphasized that the Maha Kumbh not only showcased India’s cultural richness but also served as a testament to its national awakening. “The entire world saw India’s grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh. We witnessed a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements. This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he stated.

According to official data, the Maha Kumbh, which took place from January 13 to February 26, saw a staggering participation of 66 crore devotees, nearly ten times the population of France. Over 40 crore devotees and Naga seers took a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at the Sangam in Prayagraj.

Congress questions omission of stampede deaths

While PM Modi focused on the success and significance of the Maha Kumbh, the Congress criticized him for not addressing the tragic stampede incidents that occurred during the event. At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the fair venue, while another 18 perished due to a Kumbh-bound rush at a railway station in Delhi.

PM Modi connects Maha Kumbh with India’s cultural revival

The Prime Minister also shared that he had immersed sacred water from Sangam at the Ganga Talao in Mauritius, further emphasizing the global significance of India’s traditions. He concluded his speech by asserting that the new generation of India is embracing its heritage with pride, and events like Maha Kumbh strengthen the nation’s unity and cultural resurgence.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in connection with the land-for-jobs money laundering case. According to official sources, the 76-year-old leader has been asked to appear before the agency in Patna on March 19.

The investigation agency has also summoned some of his family members for questioning in the same case. Their statements are to be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sources said.

Family members named in chargesheet

Despite the summons, sources indicate that Lalu Prasad and his family members are unlikely to appear before the ED.

Last year, the ED had filed a chargesheet in a Delhi court, naming several members of Lalu Prasad’s family, including his wife, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their daughters, Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, as accused in the case. Others were also named in the chargesheet.

The land-for-jobs scam pertains to allegations that land parcels were taken as bribes in exchange for employment in the Indian Railways when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as Railway Minister. The ED has been investigating the money laundering aspect of the case.