"In Favour of Unity" – Mamata Banerjee Responds to Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reiterated her commitment to peace and communal harmony on Thursday in response to the recent violence in Nagpur, Maharashtra, linked to the 'Aurangzeb Tomb' controversy. She drew parallels to the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition, which sparked widespread violence across the country, and called for unwavering commitment to peace.

“I do not support violence in any form. During our time in opposition, we never endorsed violence. I vividly remember the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition; I took to the streets urging people to maintain peace. I even offered the government assistance in restoring order. We must remember that India is a land of unity and diversity, and we must strive to uphold this principle,” Banerjee said during a press conference at the state secretariat, Nabanna, in Howrah.

The recent unrest in Nagpur's Mahal area, which erupted on Monday night, prompted authorities to impose Section 144 and enforce a curfew in certain affected zones. The violence followed protests by right wing groups, including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar.

The protest began at around 7:30 p.m. in Chitnis Park, Mahal, and quickly escalated when stones were thrown at police amid rumours that a religious symbol had been desecrated during the demonstration by Bajrang dal members. This had sparked widespread anger within the Minority community, leading to clashes and vandalism in several neighbourhoods, including Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for calls to remove the tomb but stressed that any action must be in accordance with the law, as the site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “We all share the same goal, but it must be done within the legal framework. The site was placed under ASI protection during the Congress regime, and we must respect the law,” Fadnavis stated earlier in March.

The controversy has stirred political tension, with critics claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the issue to divert attention from more pressing matters in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut argued, “The BJP government is avoiding crucial issues, such as the exclusion of women beneficiaries from the Ladki Behen scheme, by fuelling this self-created Aurangzeb tomb row.”

Meanwhile, in Bengal, BJP Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari warned of a potential Hindu consolidation in the state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Banerjee responded firmly, saying, “We celebrate every festival in Bengal. Divisive politics will not succeed here.”​