‘UP-Style Bulldozer Politics Won’t Work in Maharashtra’: Nagpur Violence Accused Fahim Khan Issues Warning After Wife’s Victory

Nagpur: In a politically charged statement following his wife’s victory in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, Fahim Khan—named by police as the main accused in the 2025 Nagpur violence—has issued a sharp warning to the ruling establishment, asserting that “Uttar Pradesh-style bulldozer politics will not work in Maharashtra.”

Without naming the BJP directly, Khan said the electoral outcome reflected public resistance to what he described as selective and coercive action. “You arrested one Fahim Khan, but today six leaders have been elected. If you try to deliver justice through bulldozers—if you demolish one house—you will create a hundred leaders among Muslims,” he said. He further warned that what he called “wrongful arrests” could cost the ruling party its remaining political ground in the city.

Wife Elected Councillor from Ward 3

Khan’s wife, Alisha Khan, won from Ward 3 in the Nagpur civic polls. Of the four seats in the ward, the BJP secured one seat while AIMIM won three—an outcome that has drawn attention given the ward’s significant Hindu population. AIMIM’s performance in this ward has been viewed by political observers as a notable shift in local voting patterns.

Background: Nagpur Violence and Demolition Action

Fahim Khan was arrested in connection with the violence that erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area on March 17, 2025, amid tensions surrounding the Aurangzeb tomb controversy following the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Police had described him as the alleged mastermind, citing charges related to organising gatherings and delivering provocative speeches. Khan, however, has consistently denied involvement, claiming the allegations were politically motivated and pointing out that he lived several kilometres away from the violence-hit area.

Following the riots, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation demolished Khan’s family house using bulldozers, citing administrative action. Khan spent nearly four months in jail before being granted bail. The case related to the violence is currently sub judice.

After his wife’s election, Khan stated that he intends to rebuild the demolished house, calling the action unjust and symbolic of political targeting.

Nagpur Civic Poll Results

In the overall Nagpur Municipal Corporation results, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance emerged dominant with 105 seats. The Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi together secured 35 seats, while other parties won 11 seats, including six by AIMIM.

Political Reactions and Implications

Khan’s remarks have added a fresh layer of political controversy to the civic poll results, particularly in a city that houses the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The statement has sparked debate over the use of demolition drives as a tool of governance and their political consequences in states outside Uttar Pradesh.

As Maharashtra’s post-election political landscape continues to evolve, the Nagpur results—and the reactions they have triggered—are being closely watched for their broader implications on law, governance and electoral strategy in the state.