Sharad Pawar A Reincarnation Of Aurangzeb: BJP's Nilesh Rane Kicks Up Row

BJP leader Nilesh Rane described Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar as a reincarnation of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, evoking a sharp reaction from the Opposition parties, which asked him to take back his words and apologise.

Rane's statement was in response to a media report about Pawar expressing concern for the minority communities such as Muslims and Christians in Maharashtra.

"Pawar Saheb gets worried for the Muslim community as the election approaches. Sometimes it seems that Sharad Pawar is the reincarnation of Aurangzeb," Nilesh Rane tweeted in Hindi.

Following the tweet, NCP leader Clyde Crasto sought action from Twitter over the malicious post defaming Pawar.

"FYI @TwitterIndia, You are aware there is prevailing tension in Kolhapur city, Maharashtra due to the name 'Aurangzeb'. The handle @meNeeleshNRane is using the same name against Padma Vibhushan Sharad Pawar, MP -Rajya Sabha. This tweet has malicious intent, please take action," Crasto tweeted.

NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said Rane must delete the tweet in 24 hours, while BJP national president JP Nadda and state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule should clarify if they agree with Rane.

Meanwhile, tension gripped Maharashtra's Kolhapur on Tuesday after two men allegedly put 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan's image along with an offensive audio message as their social media "status".

At least 36 people have so far been arrested and cases registered in connection with the violence.