The ongoing controversy surrounding the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has taken a new turn. MP Imtiaz Jalil who was leading the protest against the name change, has withdrawn his hunger strike. However, concerns are now being raised about attempts to disturb communal harmony in the city, As the Sakal Hindu Samaj is planning a rally in support of the name change. Meanwhile, Jalil has urged that the issue not be used to incite tensions between Hindus and Muslims. The ongoing agitation against the renaming of Aurangabad district to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been halted ahead of a rally of Sakal Hindu Samaj on Sunday.
Jaleel said that people from outside Aurangabad are coming to address the rally, and that the agitation has been brought to a halt. He added that the police have the responsibility to maintain peace. The relay hunger strike, which started two weeks ago outside the collector's office, will be paused from Saturday. Jaleel also stated that efforts are being made to give the renaming issue a communal colour. He expressed concern that people who are facing cases for making provocative speeches are going to address the rally on Sunday. He urged that the renaming issue not be used to incite Hindu-Muslim tensions.
Jaleel said that their agitation has been peaceful, and that they will continue to make efforts to strengthen the legal battle against the renaming. The MNS and Hindu organizations have now planned to march in support of the name change.