Riots in Nagpur challenge BJP's political standing

The release of the film Chhaava has caused a major controversy in Maharashtra. The movie depicts the cruelty of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb towards Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This portrayal angered many, leading to calls by BJP leaders to remove Aurangzeb's grave from the state. Initially, the BJP thought that pushing for the removal of the grave would put pressure on the Opposition. They hoped the Opposition would choose a side and risk losing voter support. However, protests escalated into violence in Nagpur after rumors spread about workers from right-wing groups burning a piece of cloth with Islamic scriptures. This led to riots, attacks on police, and significant property damage. The riots have put the BJP in a difficult position. They have long claimed to maintain peace in the region, and Nagpur, which is linked to the RSS, complicates their image further. In response, the Maharashtra government has promised to take strict actions to calm the situation. The Opposition is criticizing the BJP for its handling of the issue. UBT leader Ambadas Danve has mocked the government for protecting Aurangzeb's tomb, contrasting it with earlier promises to demolish it. This situation has clearly backfired on the BJP, leaving them with a challenging political landscape.