Everyone In Favour Of “Removing” Aurangzeb’s Tomb: D Fadnavis

Mumbai: In a move that has sparked intense debate, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasizing the need for any such action to be carried out within the bounds of the law. This comes amid a growing controversy over Aurangzeb’s legacy, fueled by recent remarks from Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, who faced severe backlash for praising the emperor. The demand to remove the tomb is led by BJP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of the revered Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed calls to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, stressing that any action must adhere to legal frameworks. The tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a status granted during a previous Congress regime. This legal protection complicates any efforts to dismantle the site, requiring that any changes be made through official channels.
The demand for the tomb’s removal was initiated by BJP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, who is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhosale’s call reflects a broader sentiment among some in Maharashtra who view Aurangzeb’s legacy negatively, particularly in light of his historical conflicts with the Maratha Empire.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi recently sparked widespread outrage by praising Aurangzeb, leading to his suspension from the Maharashtra legislative assembly until the end of the budget session. Azmi’s comments were seen as insensitive to the historical grievances many in Maharashtra hold against Aurangzeb, further fueling the debate over his legacy.
The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb has become a significant political issue in Maharashtra, with various parties weighing in on the matter. While there is support for removing the tomb, the legal hurdles and historical sensitivities involved ensure that the debate will continue to be contentious.