Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi. During occasion he made a strong statement against the glorification of Aurangzeb’s tomb. He questioned the need to preserve the tomb of a ruler responsible for the suffering of thousands, stating that Maharashtra should instead honour the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Expressing his displeasure over the situation, he remarked that it was unfortunate for both the state and Central governments to bear the responsibility of maintaining Aurangzeb’s tomb. The chief minister’s statement has sparked widespread protests across the state, with Hindu organisations, including the Bajrang Dal, intensifying their demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). Demonstrators in Kolhapur staged a symbolic protest by carrying a mock tomb in a tempo and destroying it with hammers, sending a strong message against the historical figure’s remembrance.
Vehicle movement in certain areas has also been restricted to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have called for a ‘Kar Seva’, urging people to come forward and support their demand for the tomb’s removal. The situation remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation.
Congress leader Bhai Jagtap dismissed the demand for the tomb’s removal, arguing that Maharashtra should take pride in the fact that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj prevented Aurangzeb from ruling the region for 27 years. Responding to Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal’s controversial comparison of Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, Kadam accused the Opposition of making irresponsible statements to appease their central leadership. Sapkal on Sunday said, “Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. Today, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is an equally cruel ruler. He always supports issues related to religion b
