A Significant Portion of the Population Supports Demolition of Aurangzeb's Grave: CM Fadnavis
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Synopsis
In Maharashtra, CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that the majority of residents support the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave following remarks made by SP leader Abu Azmi praising the Mughal emperor. Fadnavis emphasized adherence to the rule of law in any actions taken concerning the grave, which has been under ASI protection since the Congress era.
Key Takeaways
- CM Fadnavis supports demolishing Aurangzeb's grave.
- Public sentiment aligns with the BJP's stance.
- Actions will follow legal processes.
- Historical context of Aurangzeb's rule discussed.
- Tribute programs for Sikh Gurus planned by Maharashtra government.
Mumbai, March 9 (NationPress) In the midst of a political controversy in Maharashtra regarding Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi's admiration for Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that it is not just the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also the sentiments of the citizens of the state and the nation that resonate with the notion that the grave of the Mughal ruler ought to be demolished.
The Chief Minister emphasized that any actions related to the removal of Aurangzeb's grave would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law. He pointed out that the tomb had been granted protected status during previous Congress-led administrations both at the state and national levels and remains under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
When asked about the prospect of removing Aurangzeb’s grave, CM Fadnavis remarked to IANS, "It is a shared belief that the grave should be removed. However, any actions must comply with legal frameworks. The grave has been a protected site since the Congress era and continues to be overseen by the ASI."
These comments were made during the 'Gurmat Samagam' event commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. While addressing attendees, he highlighted the profound legacy of the Sikh Gurus, marked by their penance, valor, and sacrifices.
On the social media platform X, CM Fadnavis stated, "The ninth Guru of Sikhism, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, stood resolutely against the tyranny of the Mughal invader Aurangzeb. He sacrificed his life to safeguard our religion and culture. Thanks to the sacrifices of our Guru, our God, nation, and faith remain secure. For this reason, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, the guardian of religion and humanity, is honored as 'Hind di Chadar'. The Sikh Gurus in North India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in South-West India defended our nation and faith."
He also mentioned that the Maharashtra government would pay tribute to the Sikh Guru's sacrifice by organizing a program for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, so that future generations acknowledge his dedication towards the protection of the nation, religion, culture, and self-respect.
Previously, on March 4, BJP leader Navneet Rana called for the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave located in Khuldabad, in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district. This demand followed SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi's commendation of Aurangzeb.
Azmi, who heads the SP in Maharashtra, argued that Aurangzeb was not a cruel or intolerant leader. He claimed that during the 17th-century reign of the Mughal emperor, India's borders extended to Afghanistan and Myanmar, making the country a global economic force.
In his response, Rana reminded Azmi that the region he represents was once under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and suggested that he watch the recently-released film 'Chhava'.
"The state where you serve in the Assembly for five years was governed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj... Individuals like you should view the 'Chhava' film to understand what Aurangzeb did to our king," Rana stated in a video message.
She urged the Maharashtra government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, to take steps towards demolishing Aurangzeb's grave.
"I request the Maharashtra government that just as the name of Aurangabad was changed to honor our God Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb's grave should also meet the same fate," the former BJP MP asserted.
Azmi later expressed regret, stating that he did not intend to offend anyone.
"I could never imagine using insulting language against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Dr BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, or Rajshri Shahuji Maharaj. However, Prashant Koratkar and Rahul Solapurkar have spoken against them and have security. Why is there such an uproar over my statement?" Azmi remarked.
On March 7, Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale from the Satara royal lineage, a 13th descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, also called for the demolition of the grave.
"Those who visit Aurangzeb's tomb and pay their respects may belong to his future. They should take that tomb to their own homes, but the glorification of Aurangzeb will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.
"What is the necessity... send a JCB machine and demolish his grave... he was a thief and a looter... Strict measures should be enforced against those who make false statements about Shahaji Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj," said Udayanraje, who serves as a BJP MP from Satara.
Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister and BJP MLA, also demanded the destruction of Aurangzeb's tomb.
“It is the consensus that Aurangzeb's grave should be razed,” he stated.
The issue surrounding Aurangzeb's tomb resurfaced following Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's comments praising the Mughal emperor at a time when public sentiment was heightened after the release of 'Chhava', a film depicting the life of Sambhaji Maharaj.
Historical accounts indicate that Sambhaji Maharaj was captured and brutally executed at the behest of Aurangzeb.
Aurangzeb's grave is situated in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad.
The tomb of Aurangzeb (November 3, 1618 – March 3, 1707), the sixth Mughal emperor, is an unmarked grave located within a dargah complex and is under the jurisdiction of the ASI.
