Centre seeks removal of security for Aurangzeb's tomb, according to Shiv Sena (UBT) request.
In the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district of Maharashtra, the grave of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) [2][3]. The site, which has seen increased security measures and visitor restrictions due to escalating protests, has become a focal point of controversy.
The Shiv Sena UBT, along with allied groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, are demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. They view the emperor as a symbol of oppression against Hindu culture and history [1][4]. These groups have organised protests, burnt effigies, and called for the government to take action to remove the grave, accusing Aurangzeb of atrocities during his reign.
The demands have resulted in heightened communal tensions and occasional violence, notably in Nagpur, where protests over the tomb's removal have escalated into clashes between opposing groups [5]. Political leaders, including Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have voiced support for the idea of removing Aurangzeb’s tomb but emphasise the importance of maintaining law and order [3].
The Shiv Sena UBT leader, Ambadas Danve, believes that the tomb is a testament of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's bravery. He argues that erasing Aurangzeb from history would devalue Shivaji Maharaj's heroism [6]. In contrast, an editorial in Saamana terms the demand to remove Aurangzeb's tomb a 'plain drama' [7].
The Rajya Sabha member, Anil Deshmukh Raut, claims that the BJP wants to remove the tomb to wipe out Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy [8]. Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party's demand came on the backdrop of violence in Nagpur, where several police personnel were injured [9].
The editorial in Saamana suggests that the five individuals mentioned (Modi, Fadnavis, Mohan Bhagwat, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar) should dig Aurangzeb's grave with spades to prevent riots in Maharashtra [10]. The land would be freed if the status of the protected monument given to Aurangzeb’s grave is withdrawn, as per Saamana [7].
The violence in Nagpur erupted over rumours that a holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb [11]. As the situation remains volatile, it is crucial for all parties involved to approach this issue with caution and respect for the rule of law to maintain peace and harmony in Maharashtra.
- The escalating protests and demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district have led to heated debates on casino-culture, politics, and policy-and-legislation.
- The controversy surrounding the Aurangzeb's tomb and the increasing violence, such as the clashes in Nagpur, highlight the importance of crime-and-justice in balancing the rights of different factions and maintaining peace.
- As the general-news unfolds, it raises concerns regarding the impact of war-and-conflicts on historical sites, such as the grave of Aurangzeb, which is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The call for Aurangzeb's tomb removal not only points to the complexity of politics but also brings to light the role of casino-and-gambling, where political alliances and feuds can significantly influence policy-and-legislation decisions.
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