Pune: Amid calls from the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP) leaders to take away Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have escalated their demand, threatening to conduct ‘karseva’ (symbolic purification) if the federal government fails to behave.
Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have threatened to conduct ‘karseva’ (symbolic purification) if the federal government fails to take steps to take away Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. (HT FILE)
The suitable-wing outfits stated they are going to submit a memorandum to the state authorities on March 17, demanding removing of the tomb by authorized strategies. The outfits warned of “karseva” and statewide protests if the federal government fails to behave. In line with VHP leaders, the tomb symbolises “centuries of oppression, atrocities, and slavery” imposed on Hindus throughout Aurangzeb’s rule and should be demolished.
Final week, following the demand from minister Nitesh Rane and former Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana for removing of the tomb, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis additionally supported the proposal however emphasised that any motion should adhere to the authorized framework, as the location is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Additionally Learn | Vital dip in footfall at Aurangzeb’s tomb amid controversy
At a press convention in Pune on Saturday, Kishor Chavan, coordinator, VHP western Maharashtra, referred to as Aurangzeb’s tomb “a reminder of betrayal, hatred, and the persecution of Hindus”.
“Aurangzeb’s cruelty is well-documented—he imprisoned his own father, executed his brothers, and ordered the destruction of Hindu temples. The existence of his tomb only serves to glorify his atrocities, and the Maharashtra government must act immediately to remove it. If government fails to remove it, we will do it by holding ‘karseva’, like we observed during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement,” Chavan stated.
The Bajrang Dal and VHP have introduced protests exterior tehsildar and district collector places of work throughout Maharashtra, pressuring authorities to behave. They argue that the tomb is a divisive image that fuels communal discord.
Safety tightened in Khuldabad
Amid repeated calls for for the tomb’s removing, the district administration has elevated safety across the web site. A unit of the State Reserve Police Pressure (SRPF), two senior officers, and 15 police personnel have been deployed to watch the scenario. Authorities are screening guests to the tomb.
To stop any unrest, the police have prohibited right-wing chief and Samasta Hindutva Aghadi member Milind Ekbote from getting into Sambhajinagar district between March 16 and April 5. The district administration, citing intelligence inputs, fears he and his supporters would possibly try and take away Aurangzeb’s tomb. Ekbote, who heads the Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Pratisthan, is thought for his annual tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Pune.
Additionally Learn | Sanjay Raut calls BJP rule in Maharashtra ‘worse than Aurangzeb’s time’
On Monday, as a part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s beginning anniversary celebrations, Hindu outfits plan to assemble on the district collector’s workplace to submit a memorandum to the CM, demanding the tomb’s removing. They’ve indicated they are going to watch for the federal government’s response earlier than taking additional motion.
“If the government fails to act, the self-respecting Hindu community will take to the streets, organise marches, and, if necessary, remove the tomb themselves,” Chavan warned, elevating considerations about potential legislation and order disruptions.
Opposition slams demand
Opposition leaders have criticised the transfer, arguing that historical past must be preserved and studied slightly than erased.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal referred to as the demand an try and “erase the glorious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” and accused VHP and Bajrang Dal of participating in political stunts.
“Aurangzeb’s tomb is not a symbol of bravery but of cruelty. However, it also stands as a testament to the resilience of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he stated.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar added that Aurangzeb’s tomb serves as a reminder that regardless of ruling for many years, the Mughal emperor failed to manage Maharashtra successfully. “Removing the tomb now could set a precedent for unnecessary conflicts in the future. It should be left untouched as a historical symbol,” he stated.
In the meantime, the Maharashtra authorities is but to concern an official response.
Previously
The grave of Aurangzeb has turn into a political concern in Maharashtra ever for the reason that launch of the Vicky Kaushal-starrer “Chhaava” that depicts the seize, torture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor reigning from 1658 till his dying in 1707. He spent previous few a long time of his life in Deccan area.