24

Mar

Aurangzeb’s tomb controversy: Shiv Sena (UBT) slams BJP for divisive politics

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Our Correspondent

New Delhi | Monday | 24 March 2025

Amid growing demands to demolish Aurangzeb’s grave, Shiv Sena (UBT) launched a fierce attack on the BJP, accusing the party of giving more importance to the Mughal emperor than to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In its editorial in the mouthpiece Samana, Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that the BJP has long opposed Shivaji Maharaj’s inclusive vision and is now using his name for political gain.

The editorial highlights, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign was rooted in inclusivity, bringing people of all faiths together. This approach was rejected by the BJP in the past, and it remains unacceptable to them today. Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj were never icons of the BJP or the RSS ideology. Now, the BJP is conveniently invoking ‘Jai Shivaji’ and ‘Jai Sambhaji’ only for political purposes. In reality, Aurangzeb is the BJP’s new Shivaji.”

The editorial continues by criticizing the BJP’s actions, including the rhetoric of groups like the RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Bajrang Dal, who have led calls for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s tomb, likening it to the Babri Masjid issue. Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned these actions, claiming that they are only exacerbating religious tensions in Maharashtra.

“These organizations are not only calling for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s grave but have started gathering tools for a ‘Kar Seva’ to demolish it. This is nothing but a political spectacle. The grave of Aurangzeb is protected by the central security forces and is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India. If the BJP wants to end this issue, the government should withdraw its protection and the status of the monument,” said Samana.

Article at a Glance
Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a strong critique of the BJP amid calls to demolish Aurangzeb’s grave, accusing the party of prioritizing the Mughal emperor over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In its editorial in Samana, Shiv Sena (UBT) argues that the BJP has historically opposed Shivaji's inclusive vision and is now exploiting his legacy for political gain.
The editorial condemns the BJP and its affiliates, like the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, for exacerbating religious tensions in Maharashtra through their calls for Aurangzeb's grave demolition, likening it to the Babri Masjid controversy.
 It also criticizes Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failing to prevent recent riots and for the BJP's attempts to redefine Shivaji's legacy, including claims that PM Modi is his reincarnation. The editorial concludes with a plea to honor Shivaji's true values of unity and respect for all religions, warning against divisive politics in Maharashtra.

Taking a jab at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the editorial notes, “During the Babri Masjid conflict, the BJP led by Kalyan Singh in Uttar Pradesh was in power, but now the BJP is in control both at the Centre and in Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Fadnavis, and others should take the lead in removing Aurangzeb’s grave themselves, as it would end the unrest and calm the situation.”

The editorial also slammed Fadnavis for his inability to prevent recent riots, including those in Nagpur over Aurangzeb’s grave, and the  ongoing incidents of violence and hate in the state. Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the BJP of fuelling religious hatred for political gain, calling it a failure of governance.

The editorial further criticized the BJP’s attempt to redefine Shivaji Maharaj, pointing out that BJP MP Pradeep Purohit had gone so far as to claim that PM Modi was the reincarnation of Shivaji. “By glorifying Modi as Shivaji, the BJP seeks to erase the legacy of the real Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is an attempt to rewrite history and erase the values of unity that Shivaji stood for.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) ended the editorial with a call to honour the true legacy of  Shivaji Maharaj: “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought unity to Maharashtra. Today, the state is being torn apart in the name of religion. Maharashtra is burning because of this divisive politics. Shivaji Maharaj respected all religions and even ordered the respectful return of any Quran when  found. But today, in Maharashtra, Quran verses are being burned, and riots are being incited.”

The editorial ends with a plea for reconciliation and respect for the history of Maharashtra: “The glorification of Modi as Shivaji is a betrayal of Shivaji’s legacy. We owe it to Shivaji Maharaj and to Maharashtra to uphold his true values.”

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