Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena Claims Aurangzeb is BJP's New Shivaji
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Synopsis
Amid rising calls for the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave, Shiv Sena (UBT) accuses the BJP of prioritizing the Mughal emperor over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, claiming that recent actions reflect a dangerous political strategy that threatens the cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizes the BJP for elevating Aurangzeb above Shivaji Maharaj.
- The editorial accuses BJP affiliates of staging political drama regarding Aurangzeb's grave.
- Concerns are raised about rising communal tensions in Maharashtra.
- The editorial highlights the need for unity and respect for all religions.
- Criticism of political leaders' inaction amid rising violence.
Mumbai, March 19 (NationPress) In the midst of calls for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s grave, the Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the BJP on Wednesday, asserting that the party now prioritizes the Mughal emperor over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
'The reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was rooted in inclusivity and supported all faiths. This principle was never embraced by the BJP, neither in the past nor present. In reality, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj have never represented the ideologies of the RSS or the BJP. Now, they chant 'Jai Shivaji' and 'Jai Sambhaji' whenever it suits them. Thus, Aurangzeb has become the BJP’s new Shivaji,' stated the editorial in Shiv Sena (UBT)'s publication, 'Saamana.'
'No one in Maharashtra will glorify Aurangzeb. Only Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be honored here. Consequently, after the launch of the film 'Chhavaa', groups like the RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and other neo-Hindutva factions of the BJP expressed political outrage over Aurangzeb's grave, disrupting Maharashtra's atmosphere. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal threatened protests demanding the complete destruction of Aurangzeb's grave, likening it to the Babri Masjid. They asserted that just like Babri, Aurangzeb's grave would also face demolition,' the editorial continues.
'They have begun to gather tools like shovels, crowbars, and bulldozers. This is merely a theatrical act. There is no necessity to stage a drama for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. He lies beneath and will never rise again. The grave is currently secured by central forces. As it falls under the Archaeological Survey of India, they are under the authority of the central government in Delhi. The Centre should promptly revoke this security and the protected status of the grave to free the land and prevent conflict. This will also eliminate the need for any Kar Seva,' the editorial states.
'During the Babri Masjid incident, a Congress government was in power at the Centre, while the BJP governed Uttar Pradesh. Currently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads at the Centre, and CM Devendra Fadnavis governs Maharashtra, both from the BJP. Fadnavis has experience with Kar Seva in Ayodhya. Therefore, PM Modi, CM Fadnavis, Mohan Bhagwat, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar should dig up Aurangzeb's grave under government orders with shovels to halt riots in Maharashtra and pacify extremists,' the editorial criticizes the BJP and RSS.
'It has been repeatedly noted that CM Fadnavis only delivers speeches without taking tangible actions. Riots erupted in Nagpur over Aurangzeb's grave, resulting in police assaults and instances of arson. Nagpur boasts a 300-year history without riots. So, why this uproar now? Fadnavis claims these rioters were outsiders. What was the police doing while these outside rioters created chaos? Were the informers of the Home Ministry dormant?'
Addressing the rising crime in the state, the Shiv Sena (UBT) publication remarks, 'The ongoing cycle of extortion and murders in Beed continues. Riots also erupted in Parbhani. Neo-Hindutva elements incited riots during Holi in Konkan. State ministers deliver speeches that foster religious animosity while the Home Minister remains inactive. This is not effective governance.'
Further intensifying its attacks on the BJP, the editorial states, 'Consequently, the antagonist Aurangzeb, whom Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj fought against and buried in Maharashtra, must first be eradicated along with his grave. If the villain is eliminated, the 'hero' Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will also fade away; this is their ploy.'
'In Lok Sabha, BJP MP from Bargarh, Odisha, Pradeep Purohit, publicly stated, 'Our Shivaji is Modi. Modi was Chhatrapati Shivaji in his former life.' Now, the BJP has birthed a new Shivaji, planning to erase the original Shivaji. Hence, if Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is to be eliminated, the first step is to demolish Aurangzeb's grave. This means history will be obliterated along with it. This is what is evidently transpiring in Maharashtra,' claims the editorial.
'The commendation of PM Modi as Chhatrapati Shivaji is alarming. Do the descendants of the Chhatrapati, Udayanraje Bhosale (Shrimant) and Shivendraraje Bhosale (Shrimant), endorse Modi’s depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj unified Maharashtra. Today, Maharashtra is divided and aflame in the name of religion. If you find a copy of the Quran, return it respectfully, as per Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's directive. Yet in Nagpur, Quranic verses were burned. In Rajapur, an attempt was made to incite riots by tossing Holi wood into a mosque. Arson in the name of Aurangzeb has reignited in Maharashtra. Aurangzeb, buried for 400 years, has been resurrected. Because a new Shivaji is emerging within the BJP. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, please forgive us,' concludes the editorial.
