Hindu Outfits Demand Demolition of Aurangzeb’s Tomb, Warn of ‘Babri-Like’ Action

Hindu Outfits VHP and Bajrang Dal Demand Demolition of Aurangzeb’s Tomb, Warn of ‘Babri-Like’ Action, and Announce Statewide Protests in Maharashtra

Right-wing Hindu extremist groups Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have proclaimed statewide protests in Maharashtra for the demand to demolish the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb located in the district of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The organizations have also issued warnings of a ‘Babri-like’ action if their demands are not met, thereby increasing tensions in the area.

In lieu of such threats, security around the tomb has been increased. Senior police officials have been deployed for 24-hour surveillance, while several checkpoints have been established to monitor visitors and avoid any untoward incident.

As per reports from news agency PTI, the workers of VHP and Bajrang Dal intend to submit a memorandum to the Maharashtra government on Monday requesting legal steps towards removing the tomb. These organizations have also indicated a possibility to launch ‘karseva’ and conduct statewide demonstrations if the government does not respond.

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Govindji Shende, VHP Maharashtra and Goa State Minister, expounded on their plan while addressing reporters. “The movement will be conducted in phases, beginning with public awareness campaigns. This will include protests, submission of memorandums, effigy burnings, and public meetings. The last step will be ‘Chalo Sambhajinagar,’ a mass march towards Sambhaji Nagar,” he said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also joined the Aurangzeb controversy, saying that he doesn’t subscribe to the glorification of Aurangzeb. “I respect the sentiments of the Marathas. Aurangzeb was responsible for torturing and executing Sambhaji Maharaj. Any true patriot would not vouch for Aurangzeb. Why should we keep his carcass in Maharashtra?” Such questions were brought up by Shinde.

Mixed political reactions have arisen regarding the demand. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule reiterated that such historical matters are best left to experts and should not be politicized. “This is history. Let historians decide; there should be no interference from politicians,” she remarked.

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, however, was critical of the Hindu outfits, alleging that the organizations were attempting to divert public attention from relevant issues. “VHP and the Bajrang Dal have nothing constructive to do. Their activities disrupt the peace of Maharashtra and impede its progress,” he alleged.

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The demand is by no means new. Earlier, BJP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had likewise demanded the tomb of Aurangzeb be demolished. The controversy regained limelight amidst the ongoing political turmoil with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleging that the BJP was ruling Maharashtra like Aurangzeb.

Earlier this month also witnessed the suspension of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi from the Maharashtra assembly until March 26 for praising Aurangzeb. His remarks ignited yet another round of controversy surrounding the Mughal emperor’s legacy in the state.

Aurangzeb, since then, remains a contentious figure in Maharashtra, due mainly to his clashes with the Marathas in the past. His execution of Shivaji Maharaj’s son Sambhaji is indeed engraved in the mind of the people as a great impetus for the resistance against the Mughal rule. Given the increasing political and ideological tensions, demands for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s tomb are bound to create furor all over again in the state.

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