Three men defaced the 'Akbar Road' signboard in Delhi, by spraying it with black paint and plastering posters of Maharana Pratap over it. The demonstration was in response to the alleged vandalism of a Maharana Pratap statue at Kashmere Gate ISBT, where a viral video showed the statue’s sword and hand damaged. Raising slogans of "Jai Bhavani," the men demanded swift police action against those responsible for the statue’s desecration.
Protesters Voice Outrage Over Historical Figures
Amit Rathore, one of the protesters, condemned the incident at Kashmere Gate, accusing the Delhi government and police of suppressing the matter. "India will not tolerate the insult of Maharana Pratap. Those guilty must be arrested, and immediate action should be taken," he stated.
Another protester, Vijay, expressed a broader mission, saying, "We are continuously removing signboards of invaders like Akbar, Babur, and Humayun. The government needs to wake up and make a decision. These attackers raped our sisters and mothers, demolished temples, and destroyed India’s unity. Why are we the only ones acting? Where is the rest of society?"
The defacement reflects growing unrest over historical figures associated with India’s Mughal past, with the protesters calling for recognition of indigenous heroes like Maharana Pratap instead.
Nagpur Clashes Over Aurangzeb’s Grave
This incident follows violent clashes in Nagpur on March 17, sparked by demands to remove Aurangzeb’s grave. Nagpur Police arrested 50 individuals, including seven minors, in connection with the unrest, according to Commissioner Ravinder Singal. On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the state assembly that peace has been restored in the city.
"The investigation is ongoing. Some people deliberately spread rumors to incite this violence. Nagpur has seen no riots in years, and we are prepared to tackle law-and-order challenges," he said.
Rising Tensions Over Historical Legacy
The events in Delhi and Nagpur highlight escalating tensions over India’s historical narrative. The vandalism of Maharana Pratap’s statue and the subsequent protests underscore a clash between reverence for indigenous warriors and the legacy of Mughal rulers. Social media has amplified these incidents, with the viral video of the damaged statue fueling public outrage.
Authorities are now under pressure to address both the vandalism and the protests while maintaining order. As investigations continue, these incidents raise broader questions about how India reconciles its complex past with present-day sentiments. For now, the defaced Akbar Road signboard stands as a symbol of a deepening cultural and historical divide.
