Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Calls for Harmony at Iftar Celebration in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 22, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hosted an iftar party in Mumbai’s Marine Lines to mark the holy month of Ramadan, where he underscored the importance of India’s cultural diversity and unity while cautioning against growing threats to the Muslim community amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s grave.

Addressing a large gathering of community leaders and citizens, Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar), reaffirmed India’s tradition of unity in diversity. “India is a symbol of unity in diversity. We should not fall into the trap of divisive forces,” he declared, emphasizing the need for national harmony in the face of divisive rhetoric.

The Deputy CM highlighted the significance of celebrating cultural and religious festivals together as a means of fostering peace and coexistence. Speaking about the upcoming festivals of Holi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid, Pawar stressed that these occasions teach the values of togetherness and mutual respect. “We should all celebrate together because unity is our real strength. I want to assure you that your brother Ajit Pawar is with you,” he assured the Muslim community, expressing solidarity with those observing the holy month of Ramadan.

Pawar also took the opportunity to reflect on the deeper spiritual meanings of Ramadan, emphasizing that the month is not only about fasting but also about fostering empathy for the less fortunate. “Ramadan transcends religious boundaries and embodies the values of humanity, sacrifice, and self-discipline. It is a time that purifies the body and nurtures compassion for the underprivileged,” he stated.

In light of the recent rise in communal tensions, Pawar issued a firm warning against any acts of aggression aimed at creating divisions between communities. “Anyone who tries to intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters, create conflict between communities, or take the law into their own hands will not be spared,” Pawar asserted, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining law and order.

The iftar event came at a time of heightened political tensions in the state, particularly surrounding the issue of Aurangzeb’s grave in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Mahayuti government’s controversial demand to remove the grave has sparked violent clashes in Nagpur, adding to the political discourse in Maharashtra. Pawar’s remarks sought to counter any attempts to inflame communal strife and reaffirm the state’s commitment to inclusivity and peace.

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting from dawn to dusk, known as Roza, one of the five pillars of Islam. It is observed as a period of spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and devotion, with a focus on community solidarity and care for the less fortunate.

The event, which was attended by a wide cross-section of the community, sent a strong message of religious tolerance and national unity at a time when the state is grappling with rising political and social tensions.