The Maharashtra government's attempt to change history and negate the glorious role of Chhatrapati Shivaji was responsible for the current tension in Miraj-Sangli and other parts of Western Maharashtra, senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde alleged in Pune on Tuesday.
Munde, who arrived in the city late on Monday night after being detained at Lonavala for some hours by police who have banned his entry into Satara and Sangli districts, said that the Congress-NCP government in the state was trying to write a "secular history" in Maharashtra.
"The arch depicting a historical scene from life of Shivaji was not allowed to be erected in Miraj leading to trouble, ''Munde said referring to the September 3 that communal riot in the town on 'Anantchaturdashi day' when Ganesh immersion procession was in progress.
The arch on which a scene showing murder of Mogul knight Afzulkhan by warrior king Shivaji was painted by pro-Hindutva organisations, became a bone of contention resulting clashes between two groups with violence spilling over to adjoining areas.
Munde said that police were trying to bring the explosive situation under control by using repressive methods leading to escalation of tension.
{{/usCountry}}Munde said that police were trying to bring the explosive situation under control by using repressive methods leading to escalation of tension.
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