Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Amid rising tensions in Maharashtra over the controversy surrounding Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday questioned the need for such a debate, pointing out that Aurangzeb died over 300 years ago. His remarks came after violence erupted in Nagpur, where protests led to vandalism and arson.
Thackeray also took a swipe at the BJP by referencing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, hinting at their political reliance on Muslim votes. “If you want, you can remove his grave… but call C Naidu and Nitish Kumar first,” he said.
Thackeray’s comment was echoed by his son Aaditya Thackeray, who accused the BJP of orchestrating this controversy to divert attention from governance failures. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to create communal tensions, comparing the situation to the violence in Manipur.
Aurangzeb’s Gujarat Connection
In a sharp retort to the BJP, Thackeray pointed out that Aurangzeb was born in Gujarat’s Dahod in 1618 and died near Bhingar, Maharashtra, in 1707. “If they have such a problem, they should first address the fact that he was born in Gujarat,” he said sarcastically.
His remarks come in response to increasing pressure from right-wing groups demanding that Aurangzeb’s grave be removed. The site is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a decision that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself criticized, stating that any action must follow legal protocols.
Political Tensions Escalate
The violence in Nagpur began when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) allegedly burned a symbolic effigy of Aurangzeb wrapped in green cloth, sparking clashes between communities. Protesters set fire to shops and vehicles, leaving nearly 40 people injured.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the incident was part of a “premeditated conspiracy” and alleged that rumors were spread to incite violence.
“The BJP is trying to instigate religious tensions instead of addressing governance issues,” said Aaditya Thackeray. “They cannot talk about development, so they are digging up history to distract people.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Home Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed that 47 people have been detained in connection with the violence, and curfews remain in place in several areas of Nagpur.
