Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was cruel and he subjected Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to inhuman torture for 40 days. Aurangzeb's tomb is a stain on Maharashtra, and the ongoing movements to erase it reflect the people's sentiments, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking to journalists at the Vidhan Bhavan premises, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Aurangzeb came to destroy Maharashtra. A true Muslim of our country would never glorify Aurangzeb, but does the opposition consider him their relative? Those who glorify Aurangzeb should be ashamed."
#WATCH | Mumbai: On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "...I will also say that even a true Muslim of the country will not support Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was the enemy of Maharashtra, the enemy of the country...Aurangzeb is a traitor. The protestors are… pic.twitter.com/Z6oGFMkvGZ
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
The former chief minister further stated that Aurangzeb inflicted countless atrocities on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to force him into religious conversion. However, Sambhaji Maharaj never bowed down. He sacrificed his life for the nation and religion. Therefore, the stain of Aurangzeb should be erased from Maharashtra, as it is the people's sentiment, he argued.
"The British invaded and ruled this country, but after India's independence, their marks of rule were erased. Similarly, the stain of the cruel and tyrannical Aurangzeb should also be removed from Maharashtra," Shinde said.
He felt that Glorifying Aurangzeb is an act of treason, and Maharashtra will not forgive those who do so. A case has been registered against Abu Azmi, and he has been suspended from the session, informed Shinde. He further stated that strict action would be taken against anyone who came forward in support of Aurangzeb. He also strongly criticized Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal for comparing the Maharashtra Chief Minister to Aurangzeb. He questioned, "Has the state government committed atrocities against Sapkal? Has he been subjected to inhuman torture?"
Also read
- Is 'Chhaava' to blame for Nagpur riots? CM Fadnavis, MPs point fingers at Vicky Kaushal movie amid conspiracy charges
- Shivaji Park turns 100: Mumbai's jewel nurtured generations of cricketers, Mallakhamb gymnasts
- Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says Nagpur violence over Aurangzeb tomb was planned. What exactly sparked the riots?
- Maharashtra Congress chief Sapkal likens Mahayuti govt to ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’; accuses BJP of insulting Shivaji
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde strongly condemned the cowardly attack by anti-social elements in Nagpur. He assured that strict action would be taken against those who try to create rifts between communities. The situation in Nagpur is under control. He also urged citizens to cooperate with the police to maintain law and order in the state.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Atul Londhe condemned Shinde's comments and it incites violence against state Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal. He called the Nagpur violence a failure of the government and said Devendra Fadnavis has no moral right to continue as home minister.
