BJP Giving More Importance to Aurangzeb Than Shivaji Maharaj : Shiv Sena UBT

On Wednesday, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) stated that the central government should revoke the protected monument status of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to prevent riots in the state.

In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamna, Shiv Sena (UBT) said that after the film Chhava, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal, Vishva Hindu Parishad, and BJP’s "neo-Hindutva" supporters are vitiating the atmosphere over Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The film Chhava, starring Vicky Kaushal, is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, who was killed by Aurangzeb.

The editorial stated that while state government ministers are busy spreading hatred through their statements, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remains silent.

Shiv Sena (UBT) said, “There is no need to create a fuss over Aurangzeb’s tomb. He (Aurangzeb) is in his grave, and he is not going to come out of it.”

It further noted that the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) is currently providing security to Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously known as Aurangabad), as it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The editorial added, “The central government should withdraw the protection and protected monument status given to the tomb so that the land can be freed up and there is no scope for tension to escalate.”