The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have announced plans to stage protests across Maharashtra, demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The groups have issued warnings of a “Babri-like” action if the tomb is not razed, escalating tensions in the region.
Authorities have responded by increasing security around the site to prevent any untoward incidents. Senior police officials have been deployed to monitor the area round-the-clock, and multiple security checkpoints have been established to regulate and scrutinize visitors closely.
According to reports from news agency PTI, both organizations intend to submit a memorandum to the state government urging legal action to remove the tomb. They have also warned of ‘karseva’ and statewide demonstrations if their demands are not met. VHP’s Maharashtra and Goa State Minister, Govindji Shende, stated that their movement would progress in stages, starting with public awareness initiatives, followed by protests, effigy burnings, meetings, and awareness programs. The final stage of their campaign would involve a march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the controversy, stating that while he respects the sentiments of the Maratha community, Aurangzeb was a historical adversary of Maharashtra. He asserted that no true patriot should glorify Aurangzeb, emphasizing that his rule was marked by oppression, including the torture and execution of Maratha ruler Sambhaji Maharaj.
On the other hand, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule called for a non-political approach to the matter, suggesting that historians, rather than politicians, should decide on the issue. She insisted that the matter was a historical one and should be handled accordingly.
Conversely, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the Hindu organizations’ demands, alleging that they were attempting to disrupt the peace and stall Maharashtra’s development. Similarly, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had recently compared the BJP’s governance in Maharashtra to Aurangzeb’s rule, citing the struggles faced by farmers under the current administration.
Earlier, BJP’s Satara MP, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had also called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, adding to the growing calls for action against the historical monument.
The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s legacy in Maharashtra remains a deeply divisive issue. Historically, the Mughal ruler is remembered for his prolonged conflicts with the Marathas and his eventual capture and execution of Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji. With political and ideological battles intensifying over his tomb, the state government faces mounting pressure to navigate the issue carefully while maintaining law and order.
