Raj Thackeray: Aurangzeb's Attempt to Erase Shivaji Maharaj's Legacy Was Futile
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Synopsis
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray criticized those inciting communal tensions over Aurangzeb's tomb, asserting that the Mughal emperor failed to obliterate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy. During his Gudi Padwa address, he emphasized the importance of understanding history beyond religious and caste-based perspectives.
Key Takeaways
- Raj Thackeray defends Shivaji's legacy against Aurangzeb's attempts.
- Protests over Aurangzeb's tomb have caused unrest in Nagpur.
- Thackeray urges a deeper understanding of history beyond WhatsApp forwards.
- Critiques the ongoing pollution of Maharashtra's rivers.
- Calls for Marathi to be mandatory for official use.
Mumbai, March 31 (NationPress) Responding to attempts to stir communal tensions regarding Aurangzeb's tomb, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray stated that the Mughal emperor aimed to obliterate the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but ultimately failed in his endeavors.
The MNS Chief expressed his desire for the global community to understand how Mughal sovereigns like Aurangzeb strived to eradicate the Maratha identity but were ultimately vanquished.
During his annual Gudi Padwa address at Shivaji Park, Thackeray remarked that Aurangzeb sought to eliminate the essence of Shivaji but instead met his demise in Maharashtra.
"Despite ruling a vast territory, Aurangzeb lingered in Maharashtra post the passing of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj because he intended to annul his legacy—a mission he failed to achieve..."
Thackeray emphasized that history should not be interpreted through the lens of caste and religion and urged individuals not to depend on WhatsApp forwards for historical narratives.
His remarks came amidst calls from right-wing factions for the dismantling of Aurangzeb's tomb situated in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Protests surrounding this matter had also led to unrest in Nagpur earlier this month.
"Don’t we want the world to recognize that these rulers endeavored to annihilate the Marathas but were instead eradicated? Stop learning history via WhatsApp and delve into history books," he stated.
He noted that Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general, was interred near Pratapgadh Fort only with the consent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Encouraging people to remain calm and focused, Thackeray remarked that socio-political contexts were markedly different before and after Shivaji's time.
"We have overlooked pressing contemporary issues. Hindus who awaken after watching a film are of little value. Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice from Vicky Kaushal or about Aurangzeb from Akshaye Khanna?" he questioned.
Thackeray referenced the recent release of the period drama 'Chhaava', which highlights the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was tortured and executed by Aurangzeb.
Thackeray pointed out that Aurangzeb was born in Dahod, Gujarat.
He asserted that those who incite the public for their selfish political motives show no regard for history.
Thackeray contended that a nation cannot advance based on religious grounds, citing Turkey as an example of successful reform.
"Religion should remain confined to your household. A Hindu identifies as such only when Muslims are in the streets or during riots; otherwise, Hindus are fragmented by caste," he stated.
The MNS Chief predicted the discontinuation of the BJP-led government's popular 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' initiative.
"I warned you before, but you chose to believe them instead of me," he remarked.
Opposition parties have criticized the Mahayuti government of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP for not increasing the monthly financial aid under the Ladki Bahin scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 as promised in their election manifesto prior to last year’s Assembly elections.
Thackeray reiterated his party's position on making the Marathi language compulsory for official purposes.
"If you reside here and do not speak the language, appropriate action will be taken," he cautioned.
He also condemned the pollution of rivers in the name of religion and shared a purported video showing bodies being burned and dumped into the river Ganga.
"What sort of religion allows us to destroy our natural resources? Approximately Rs 33,000 crore has been allocated for cleaning the Ganga, and efforts continue. Should we not reform ourselves?" he questioned.
Thackeray asserted that the rivers of Maharashtra are also severely contaminated.
Of the 311 most polluted river segments in the country, 55 are located in Maharashtra, he noted.
Mumbai once had five rivers, yet four have perished, he said.
The only remaining river, Mithi, is on the brink of extinction, he remarked, adding that sewage, encroachments, and chemical waste are decimating these water bodies.
