Shiv Sena Lawmakers Protest for Aurangzeb's Grave Removal
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Synopsis
On March 18, Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs protested at Maharashtra Legislature, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with strong statements from leaders addressing the historical context and contemporary political issues.
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena protests against Aurangzeb's grave
- Ministers call for immediate removal
- Criticism of opposition's stance on historical figures
- Deputy CM highlights the brutality faced by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
- Claims of pre-planned violence in Nagpur addressed
Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs demonstrated at the entrance of the Maharashtra Legislature, demanding the swift removal of Aurangzeb's grave located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Ministers Bharat Gogavale and Prakash Abitkar, along with legislators Vijay Shivtare, Santosh Bangar, Manisha Kayande, and Sanjay Gaikwad, shouted slogans to support their demand and showcased banners proclaiming, 'Eliminate the grave of Aurangzeb, who cruelly tortured Shambhu Raja.
'Shiv Sena firmly insists on the grave's removal. Place four shoes near the grave so that all who pass will strike it with their shoes,' stated Minister Bharat Gogavale. Legislator Santosh Bangar condemned those who glorify Aurangzeb, asserting they have no right to reside in India.
The protest by the Shiv Sena legislators occurred shortly after the opposition's demonstration, which called for the ousting of BJP minister for fisheries and ports Nitesh Rane for allegedly inciting hatred in the state.
In the meantime, Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described Aurangzeb's grave as a 'blemish' on Maharashtra.
He criticized the Shiv Sena-UBT regarding party legislator Anil Parab's recent comment about enduring torture similar to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
'What kind of torture did you face? I know you bowed down after facing action against you. Yet, post your release from the case, you flipped your stance.'
Deputy CM Shinde continued: 'Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was horrifically murdered by Aurangzeb. His eyes were gouged out, his tongue was sliced, his skin was flayed, and salt was rubbed on it. Were you (the opposition) subjected to such brutality? You surrendered for power. You dismantled the alliance for the chief minister's chair. Moreover, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was in authority, you plotted to imprison four BJP leaders and undermine their MLAs. But I turned against you for the sake of the alliance and the beliefs of the Hindu heartthrob Balasaheb Thackeray. What I did was transparent. Nearly 33 nations worldwide acknowledged it. Who is Eknath Shinde? Investigations were conducted in 33 countries.'
'In 2022, I did not act clandestinely; everything I undertook was with bravery. Conversely, your leaders (Thackeray group) discreetly interacted with BJP leaders, claiming they would create an alliance, but they retreated,' he asserted.
Regarding the Nagpur violence, Deputy CM Shinde stated there is evidence indicating it was premeditated.
