Aurangzeb's grave should be removed and...', these political parties made the demand, politics heated up

The controversy over the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra is growing. BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena and MNS have all supported it. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his desire but called it a site protected by ASI.

The controversy over the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra is increasing. BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena and MNS have all supported it. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his desire but called it a protected site by ASI. The matter got more heated after Abu Azmi's statement. The demand to remove the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb located in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra is gaining momentum. BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena, MNS and descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are speaking in one voice on this issue. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also reiterated this desire but said that it is a protected site, which got the protection of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during the Congress government.

Strong reaction from BJP and Shiv Sena

BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said,  "I had removed encroachment from Afzal Khan's grave, so how can my opinion be different on this issue? Our government is in favor of removing Aurangzeb's grave."  Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraje Desai also clarified,  "Our government is in favor of removing this grave and talks will be held with the central government on this."

Descendants of Shivaji Maharaj are also in support

Shivendraraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also advocated the removal of the tomb. He said,  "There is nothing wrong in this. Aurangzeb's tomb should not remain in Maharashtra."  MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar also took a tough stand and said,  "There is no need for the tomb of Aurangzeb, who troubled Shivaji Maharaj and killed Sambhaji Maharaj. It should be removed as soon as possible."

Controversy increased due to Abu Azmi's statement

The matter became more heated when SP leader Abu Azmi defended Aurangzeb and said,  "I do not consider Aurangzeb a cruel or tyrannical ruler. His image has been distorted through films."  After this, many organizations and political parties criticized his statement. After the growing controversy, Abu Azmi had to clarify. He said,  "I cannot even think of speaking against Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. If anyone is hurt by my statement, then I apologize."

However, a case was registered against him in Thane, Maharashtra.

Congress hits back at BJP

On BJP's continuous questioning of Congress, Congress leader Nana Patole said,  "Devendra Fadnavis has been the Chief Minister thrice, yet he keeps blaming Congress. Now the government should take its own decision on this."

PC:Punjab Kesari