Maharashtra CM Fadnavis: Aurangzeb's Tomb is Protected, No Glorification Allowed
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Synopsis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has rejected calls to remove Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, affirming its protected status but opposing any glorification. The debate continues amidst rising tensions and differing opinions on commemorating historical figures.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis affirms Aurangzeb's tomb is protected.
- Opposition claims removal demand aims to distract from government failures.
- RSS leaders express concerns about glorifying Aurangzeb.
- Calls for delisting the monument from national importance grow.
- State government unable to act due to ASI jurisdiction.
Nagpur, March 31 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday dismissed the request for the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stating it is a protected monument but will not permit its glorification.
“Regardless of our personal views on Aurangzeb, his tomb holds the status of a protected monument. We will not allow anyone to glorify it,” he affirmed. This statement follows Union minister Ramdas Athawale's strong push for the tomb's removal, while opposition figures suggested that this was an attempt by the Mahayuti alliance to divert attention from pressing issues and conceal its shortcomings.
Meanwhile, former RSS general secretary Bhayyaji Joshi remarked, “The matter concerning Aurangzeb's tomb is unnecessary. He passed away here, and his grave has been erected. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj serves as our ideal, having constructed Afzal Khan's grave. This symbolizes India's generosity and inclusiveness; anyone who wishes to visit the grave is welcome.”
RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar recently criticized the violence in Nagpur, emphasizing that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is no longer relevant in India. The violence stemmed from calls to remove Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra.
Two weeks prior, during the inauguration of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple in Bhiwandi, Fadnavis questioned the rationale behind preserving the tomb of a ruler responsible for the suffering of many. He contended that Maharashtra should instead celebrate the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He expressed regret that both the state and central governments bear the burden of maintaining Aurangzeb's tomb. Nonetheless, he assured the people of Maharashtra that any efforts to glorify Aurangzeb would be firmly opposed and thwarted.
In contrast, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde labeled Aurangzeb's tomb as a blemish on Maharashtra. He questioned the justification for commemorating Aurangzeb and its glorification. “Why are we even discussing Aurangzeb’s legacy? He was an oppressor, not a figure to be celebrated,” he stated.
Former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale last week urged the Centre to remove Aurangzeb's tomb from the list of Monuments of National Importance. Shewale, in a letter to Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, noted the rising calls for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Khuldabad, Sambhajinagar.
“Despite the widespread demand for the removal of the grave, the state government is unable to act since the site falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). According to the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act, 1958), the authority to delist any such monument lies solely with the central government,” Shewale stated.
“Thus, I sincerely request you to consider this issue and direct the relevant authorities to denotify Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of Monuments of National Importance. This action would align with the sentiments of the populace,” he added.
