Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of prioritizing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, fueling tensions in Maharashtra. In an editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Sena criticized the BJP’s focus on Aurangzeb’s tomb, alleging that the ruling party now considers him more significant than the Maratha warrior king, reported the AP news.
The controversy erupted after right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, called for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave. These groups have threatened to conduct ‘Kar Seva’ to remove the tomb, likening their movement to the Babri Masjid demolition.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray condemned the ongoing turmoil, questioning the BJP’s intent. “Aurangzeb died over 300 years ago. Is this what concerns them today?” Thackeray remarked, hinting at the political motives behind the unrest.
Meanwhile, violence erupted in Nagpur during a protest by Hindu nationalist groups, prompting authorities to impose an indefinite curfew. Clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups left at least 34 police officers and five civilians injured, with several properties damaged.
In response, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has urged the central government to revoke the protected monument status of Aurangzeb’s tomb to prevent further conflicts. The party argued that removing the designation would help defuse communal tensions.
This controversy highlights the ongoing debates in India over historical narratives and their impact on contemporary politics, raising concerns over communal harmony and political opportunism.
