Nagpur Unrest: K’taka Congress and BJP Clash Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb

Click to start listening
Nagpur Unrest: K’taka Congress and BJP Clash Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb

Synopsis

Karnataka Congress and BJP are embroiled in a dispute over Aurangzeb's tomb following violence in Nagpur. The BJP asserts that preserving the grave is detrimental to national interests, while Congress criticizes their focus on historical figures instead of pressing contemporary issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Karnataka Congress condemns objections to Aurangzeb's grave.
  • BJP claims that the grave contradicts national interests.
  • Former Deputy CM C.N. Ashwath Narayan critiques the existence of Aurangzeb's grave.
  • Minister Priyank Kharge questions BJP's priorities regarding historical issues.
  • Concerns raised over illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Bengaluru, March 18 (NationPress) In response to the unrest in Maharashtra’s Nagpur regarding Aurangzeb’s grave, the Karnataka Congress has condemned the objections raised against the site. The BJP claims that preserving Aurangzeb’s tomb contradicts the nation’s interests.

During a press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA, C.N. Ashwath Narayan stated, “Aurangzeb was an invader who undermined our culture, religion, and beliefs. The presence of his grave goes against the interests of our nation. There is significant resentment towards Aurangzeb’s rule. We cannot honor what he did to our country, which is why many are questioning the need for his grave.”

“This is the sentiment of the populace,” he stressed.

Reacting to Minister Priyank Kharge’s comments about the BJP’s focus on Aurangzeb while the world discusses Artificial Intelligence, Narayan replied, “What prevents Congress leaders from addressing these matters? Why can’t Priyank talk about it? The nation must always take precedence. How can we advance while glorifying Aurangzeb? He was an invader who devastated our country.”

“It’s individuals like Priyank Kharge who contribute to our nation’s ongoing struggles,” he asserted.

Narayan further criticized the Karnataka government, stating, “What is their administration doing regarding Artificial Intelligence, IT, and education? They are solely preoccupied with politics. They wish to utilize treasury funds to fulfill their political aspirations, acting against the interests of Karnataka and society.”

Addressing the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, Narayan noted, “Illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals is occurring, and while some stringent measures have been taken, much more action is necessary.”

Home Minister G. Parameshwara should take action, he added.

Countering Priyank Kharge’s assertion that Vinayak Savarkar had defeated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in an election, Narayan stated, “There is no validity to his claim. The BJP is more than willing to meet this challenge and demonstrate how the Congress party and former Prime Minister Nehru treated Ambedkar. This issue has been consistently raised by the BJP. Priyank Kharge merely engages in ‘hit-and-run’ politics, offering empty rhetoric without substantial action. Let his work and policies reflect his true intentions.”

Meanwhile, Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge, addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday, remarked on the Nagpur violence, stating, “BJP leaders must choose if they want the country to progress or regress. While the entire world is discussing free trade and Artificial Intelligence, BJP leaders are still fixated on Aurangzeb. What is the point? What will be accomplished by excavating graves and dismantling them?”

“Will history be altered? Will the present transformation occur? Will the future of India or its youth change? The BJP seems to have lost sight of its priorities. They are unaware of what should be discussed or what the country’s focus ought to be. A Bloomberg report indicates that over 100 crore individuals lack disposable income,” Kharge criticized.

“Will the destruction of an emperor’s grave enhance anyone’s life? Why are they stuck in the past? Citizens elected them to concentrate on the present and shape a brighter future for the youth. While the entire world is focused on Artificial Intelligence, they are obsessed with Aurangzeb. These leaders should feel embarrassed,” Kharge stated.

In response to state BJP leaders’ comments that Bengaluru should not resemble Bangladesh, Kharge said, “It’s acknowledged that Bengaluru should not turn into Bangladesh. But how are Bangladeshi nationals entering Bengaluru when we don’t even share an international border? Who is accountable for this? Whose responsibility is it to secure the nation’s borders?”

Taking a jab at the Union Home Minister, he remarked, “You claim to be the most powerful Home Minister since Sardar Patel, so how can you not defend our borders? Why are our borders so vulnerable? How are Bangladeshis infiltrating Karnataka from BJP-ruled states? How are Afghans and Pakistanis managing to reach Bengaluru?”

Kharge continued, “What has happened to Ajit Doval? What is the Ministry of Home Affairs doing? What is the BJP at the Centre accomplishing? What is transpiring in BJP-governed states? Instead of making unfounded allegations in legislative sessions, BJP leaders in Karnataka should address these concerns with their leadership.”