In the midst of demands for the destruction of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, said it was regrettable that the state government had to save the tomb.
But he made it clear that the government would never permit the "Mahima Mandan" (glorification) of Aurangzeb's legacy.
Fadnavis made the comments close to Bhiwandi while inaugurating the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple. He explained, "If glorification takes place here, it will be for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not for Aurangzeb's tomb. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) safeguarded Aurangzeb's tomb 50 years ago, and hence, it is the duty of the Maharashtra government to safeguard it. But I assure you, Aurangzeb's legacy will never be glorified in Maharashtra."
The Chief Minister affirmed his position again, asserting that if there was any attempt to glorify Aurangzeb, the government would take steps to prevent it. He added the emphasis of the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating, "Shivaji Maharaj brought together people belonging to 18 Pagar castes, farmers, and Balutedars and filled them with the spirit of masculinity. He made us ready to fight in the cause of God, country, and religion.". After Shivaji, Sambhaji Maharaj, Rajaram Maharaj, and Tara Rani gave their share in Swarajya. Marathas conquered the Mughals after Shivaji, interned Aurangzeb here, and placed the saffron flag upon Delhi. Shivaji Maharaj had dreamed of a single Maharashtra, not split by caste.
The Chief Minister also emphasized continuing efforts to honor Shivaji Maharaj's memory, citing the state's effort to obtain UNESCO World Heritage recognition for 12 of his forts. He voiced assurance that this was to be done soon with the cooperation of Prime Minister Modi in the undertaking. Also, Fadnavis spoke of plans for constructing a Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial at Sangameshwar in the Konkan area where he was arrested and a big memorial at Tulapur. The state has even asked the Uttar Pradesh government to construct a memorial in Agra, with funds set aside.
Moreover, the government is constructing a memorial in Panipat to pay tribute to the historical importance of these sites.
Previously, demonstrations by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal took place all over the state, calling for Aurangzeb's tomb to be razed. At the same time, NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad presented an opposing view, that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's hero status was also due to the presence of a villain such as Aurangzeb.
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