Maharashtra Minister Advocates for Renaming Khultabad to Ratnapur
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Minister of Social Justice, Sanjay Shirsat, proposed renaming Khultabad, the location of Aurangzeb's tomb, back to its original name, Ratnapur. This suggestion follows a recent controversy regarding the tomb's removal.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Minister proposes renaming Khultabad.
- Khultabad was originally Ratnapur before its name change.
- Calls for renaming are part of a wider initiative by the MahaYuti government.
- Protests occurred over Aurangzeb’s tomb removal.
- Legislators from the MahaYuti alliance demand the tomb's removal.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, April 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Minister of Social Justice and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat expressed on Monday that Khultabad, the site of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, should be renamed Ratnapur.
“Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was formerly referred to as Khadki. Its name was later altered to Aurangabad. In a similar vein, Khultabad was originally known as Ratnapur before becoming Khultabad. The MahaYuti government is initiating the process of renaming. Khultabad ought to revert to its original name, Ratnapur. The name of Aurangabad has already been changed, and Khultabad should follow suit,” stated the Minister.
He accused Aurangzeb of changing the names of numerous cities.
“Osmanabad (now Dharashiv) and Ahmednagar (now Ahilyanagar) were part of this renaming spree. All cities in our state with ‘Baad-Baad’ in their names (like Daulatabad) will be subject to change,” he asserted.
Shirsat’s fervent appeal to rename Khultabad to Ratnapur comes shortly after the uproar concerning the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Protests were held by the Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, leading to riots in Nagpur.
A significant number of legislators from the MahaYuti alliance, particularly from the BJP and Shiv Sena, are vocally advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Nonetheless, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently stated that the tomb is safeguarded by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and cannot be removed.
However, he added that Aurangzeb would not be celebrated.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked that Aurangzeb’s tomb is a “blemish” on Maharashtra, emphasizing that the demand for its removal resonates with public sentiment.
“Aurangzeb aimed to devastate Maharashtra. A genuine Muslim of our nation would never glorify Aurangzeb, but does the opposition treat him as family? Those who venerate Aurangzeb should feel ashamed,” claimed the Deputy Chief Minister.
The veteran RSS leader and former General Secretary Bhayyaji Joshi remarked that the debate over Aurangzeb’s tomb is unwarranted.
“He (Aurangzeb) passed away here, and a grave was constructed. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj exemplified inclusiveness by erecting Afzal Khan’s tomb. This reflects India’s generosity and inclusivity. The grave will remain, and anyone wishing to visit can do so,” he concluded.
