Why A 7 Years Old Aurangazeb Tomb Is In Centre Of Controversy in Maharashtra?

New Delhi: Amid Opposition’s constant glorification of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, workers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave from Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra .  

The protestors submitted a request letter to the Additional Tehsildar of Mira Bhayander, urging authorities to take immediate action. They warned that if the administration failed to act, they would take matters into their own hands and remove the grave themselves.  

Bajrang Dal member Nitin Mahajan also questioned why Aurangzeb’s tomb was being revered in Sambhaji Nagar.  

“In Sambhajinagar, Aurangzeb’s grave is being worshipped. The tomb of Sambhaji Maharaj’s murderer is being maintained. When such graves are glorified, society develops in that direction. In the past, we were helpless, but now VHP and Bajrang Dal are demanding its removal,” Mahajan said.  

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam backed the demand, arguing that Aurangzeb’s grave holds no significance in Maharashtra, especially in a district named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.  

“Today, when the country is debating Aurangzeb’s legacy, such a demand is not unreasonable,” Nirupam said. “His grave should be removed from Khuldabad. We expect the Maharashtra government to take immediate steps in this direction.”  

Adding to the demand, Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh also called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.  

“The Hindus in Maharashtra want Aurangzeb’s grave to be erased from the state. Kab tutegi Aurangzeb ki kabr? (When will Aurangzeb’s grave be destroyed?),” he said.  

Singh further stated that his ultimate goal is to establish India as a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and remove Aurangzeb’s tomb.