Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal has sparked controversy by comparing Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Speaking at a press conference in Ratnagiri, Sapkal alleged that “Like Aurangzeb, Fadnavis is also a tyrannical ruler, and there is no difference between the two.” He accused the BJP-led state government of promoting religious politics while ignoring law and order issues.
Sapkal claimed that Maharashtra is witnessing “rule by goons,” with even the daughter of a ruling party MP facing threats. He criticized the state’s handling of farmers’ grievances, alleging that they are not receiving fair prices or loan waivers. He further accused the government of attempting to erase history by threatening to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad.
Meanwhile, the issue has led to a verbal clash between the two Shiv Sena factions. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve argued that Aurangzeb’s tomb serves as a historical reminder of his defeat, while Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader Sanjay Shirsat asserted that Maharashtra has no place for a “cruel ruler’s grave.”
Amid rising tensions, the state government has deployed an additional 15-member SRPF unit to safeguard Aurangzeb’s tomb following threats from right-wing groups.
