Mumbai- Amidst arson and vandalism in Nagpur over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave from the state, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday questioned the need for a confrontation over an issue involving a ruler who died over 300 years ago.
“If you want, you can remove his grave, but call C Naidu and Nitish Kumar,” Thackeray remarked, alluding to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, both key BJP allies. His comment was seen as a reference to the Muslim population in their states, who are considered significant voters for the TDP and JD(U), particularly with elections approaching in Bihar next year.
Thackeray further pointed out that while Aurangzeb was born in Gujarat in 1618 and died near Maharashtra’s Bhingar in 1707, the BJP was using this controversy to divert attention from more pressing state issues. He said, “The irony is the grave is protected by the central government,” referring to the historical monument under the Archaeological Survey of India’s protection.
Echoing his father’s criticism, Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Uddhav, accused the BJP of orchestrating this controversy to shift focus from the state government’s shortcomings. He also warned that the BJP was attempting to “turn Maharashtra into another Manipur” by fostering violence and riots.
The issue took a violent turn on Monday, when hardline group Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) reportedly burned a symbolic representation of Aurangzeb’s grave, sparking clashes between Muslims and VHP supporters. Around 250 Muslims gathered at the protest site, and vehicles were set on fire. The violence resulted in nearly 40 injuries, including both police officers and civilians. In response, Maharashtra’s junior Home Minister, Yogesh Kadam, confirmed that 47 people had been detained, while the police had used force to control the situation.
The incident ignited a political battle between the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the BJP-Shiv Sena faction. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed it was part of a “premeditated conspiracy” to target specific communities, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde blamed the controversy on the recently released Hindi film Chhava, which depicts the Maratha battle with Aurangzeb.
Uddhav Thackeray countered these allegations, sarcastically pointing out that the clashes occurred in Nagpur, home to the RSS headquarters, which is closely aligned with the BJP. “I am not the Chief Minister… nor am I the Home Minister. Ask the Chief Minister who is behind this violence. Because the RSS headquarters is there,” he told reporters.
The Congress also chimed in, with Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accusing the ruling establishment of intentionally inciting conflict and spreading hatred.
As of this morning, Nagpur has calmed down, though a curfew and prohibitory orders remain in effect in several areas, police officials reported.
The post ‘300 Years Later, Why This Face-Off? Thackeray Slams Aurangzeb Grave Row appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
