Congress says Hindutva groups are trying to manipulate history to advance their parochial agenda
Team Clarion
AURANGABAD — Hindutva outfit Bajrang Dal’s demand to remove the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar has created tensions across the state of Maharashtra.
The call has also sparked heated debates, with some political figures warning of violence, while others defend the tomb as part of India’s complex history. In response to growing unrest, the Maharashtra government has taken immediate action to secure the site, deploying additional security forces and imposing restrictions on certain leaders.
The demand from Bajrang Dal, supported by individuals like Milind Ekbote of the Dharamveer Sambhaji Maharaj Pratishthan, has stirred controversy across the state. Ekbote recently warned that the tomb could face destruction if the situation is not addressed. “We will not tolerate this symbol of oppression standing in our midst,” Ekbote remarked, stoking fears of further conflict.
In response to the heightened tensions, the Maharashtra government has ramped up security measures around the tomb. A contingent of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), consisting of 15 officers, has been deployed to safeguard the site. Additionally, two police personnel have been stationed directly at the tomb. The government has also banned Ekbote’s entry into Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar until April 5.
State Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal has strongly opposed the demand to remove the tomb, stating that such actions are an attempt to erase important aspects of India’s history. “This is nothing but a bid to erase the glorious past of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Sapkal said, condemning the actions of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. “We should not let the Hindutva groups manipulate history to advance their parochial agenda”
The controversy surrounding the tomb began gaining momentum after the release of the film Chhaava, which portrays the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire and the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj. The film’s portrayal of Aurangzeb as a tyrant has fuelled protests by various groups, including Bajrang Dal, who view the Mughal ruler as an enemy of Maratha pride.
Adding fuel to the fire, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Asim Azmi recently praised Aurangzeb, describing him as a just ruler. “Aurangzeb was a fair king who helped India prosper. During his reign, there was no Hindu-Muslim conflict,” Azmi asserted. “He even built many Hindu temples, which history tends to overlook.” However, his remarks quickly stirred up controversy, leading to widespread backlash from the opposition. Azmi later clarified his statement, claiming that his words had been taken out of context.
This ongoing controversy highlights the deep-rooted historical and political divisions in the state, with both sides unwilling to back down. As the debate over Aurangzeb’s tomb continues, the atmosphere in Maharashtra remains tense, with many fearing that the situation could spiral out of control.
With the state’s security forces on high alert, all eyes are now on how the government will handle the volatile situation. The next few weeks could prove crucial in determining the future of the tomb and whether Maharashtra’s already fragile peace will hold.
