“Aurangzeb’s Tomb Will Be Protected, But No Glorification Allowed”: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly stated that while Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will be safeguarded due to its status as a protected site, any attempt to glorify the Mughal ruler will not be tolerated. His remarks come amidst growing demands from various groups calling for the removal of the grave.
CM Fadnavis: “Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy Will Be Honoured, Not Aurangzeb”
Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Mr. Fadnavis emphasized that the state government is bound to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb as it was declared a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) over 50 years ago. However, he reassured the public that the government will ensure that there is no glorification of Aurangzeb’s legacy.
“It is unfortunate that we have to protect Aurangzeb’s grave because of its legal status, but I promise that his glorification will not be allowed,” he stated, adding that the government will “crush the idea of glorifying Aurangzeb.” Instead, he asserted that Maharashtra will continue to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his contributions to history.
Demands for Removal of the Tomb Grow
Several Hindu groups, including the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. These organizations have warned of protests and even ‘karseva’ (voluntary religious service) if the government does not act. BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has also supported the call for the grave’s removal.
Political Controversy Over Aurangzeb’s Legacy
The controversy over Aurangzeb was reignited after Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor in the Maharashtra Assembly, claiming that India was known as the “golden bird” during his rule. His remarks were met with strong opposition from both ruling and opposition parties.
Following his comments, Mr. Azmi was suspended from the legislative assembly for the remainder of the budget session. Later, he defended his statement, saying he was merely quoting historians, but offered an apology if his words had hurt sentiments. Despite this, multiple cases have been filed against him, with CM Fadnavis stating that he will “100% be put in jail.”
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Demands Sedition Charges
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde slammed Mr. Azmi, calling him a “traitor” and demanding that a case of sedition be filed against him. He asserted that praising Aurangzeb as a good ruler was “a great sin” and accused Mr. Azmi of intentionally insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj.
Congress Accuses BJP of Distracting from Real Issues
Amidst the ongoing debate, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the government of using the Aurangzeb controversy to divert attention from pressing issues like unemployment and farmers’ struggles. He argued that historical sites related to Shivaji Maharaj should be preserved rather than removed.
Mr. Sapkal also stirred controversy by comparing CM Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, calling him “equally cruel” for allegedly using religion for political gain. The BJP dismissed his remarks as “childish.”
What’s Next?
As political tensions rise, the Maharashtra government will have to navigate this sensitive issue carefully. While the ASI’s legal mandate ensures the tomb’s protection, growing demands for its removal, along with political opposition and public sentiment, will likely keep the debate alive in the coming weeks.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
