Aurangzeb’s Grave Should Be Demolished: BJP’s Navneet Rana Amid Row Over Abu Azmi’s Remark

A fresh political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament Navneet Rana launched a fierce attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The controversy began when Azmi, the Maharashtra chief of the Samajwadi Party, stated that Aurangzeb was “not a cruel ruler” and had been misrepresented in history.

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His remarks sparked outrage across party lines, with several leaders condemning his statements. Navneet Rana was among the most vocal critics, demanding strong action against Azmi and even calling for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave.

Navneet Rana’s Strong Reaction

Hitting out at Abu Azmi, Navneet Rana reminded him that Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who fiercely resisted Mughal rule.

“The state in which you are elected to sit in the Assembly for five years was ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. People like you should watch the movie Chhava to understand what Aurangzeb did to our king,” she said.

Taking her attack further, Rana suggested that Aurangzeb’s grave should be demolished, similar to how the name of Aurangabad was changed to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

“I want to request the Maharashtra government that the way Aurangabad’s name was changed and kept after our God, Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb’s grave should also be demolished. People who love Aurangzeb should decorate his grave in their homes,” she added.

Shiv Sena Calls for Action Against Abu Azmi

Navneet Rana was not the only leader to react strongly. The Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has also condemned Abu Azmi’s remarks and called for strict action against him. The party has demanded that a sedition case be filed against the SP leader and that he be suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly for glorifying Aurangzeb.

Shiv Sena leaders announced a statewide protest against statements they deemed disrespectful to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Many political figures have also urged the Maharashtra government to take a firm stance against any attempts to glorify Aurangzeb.

Abu Azmi’s Clarification

Amid the escalating political row, Abu Azmi issued a clarification, claiming that his words had been distorted.

“My words have been twisted. I have only said what historians and writers have written about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Alaih. I have not made any derogatory comments about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, or any other great leaders. But if anyone has been hurt by my statement, I take back my words,” Azmi stated.

He further accused the opposition of using the controversy for political gains, saying, “This issue is being made into a political controversy. The Maharashtra Assembly Budget Session being disrupted over this issue is harming the people of Maharashtra.”

Historical Perspective: Who Was Aurangzeb?

Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth and last powerful Mughal emperor, ruled India from 1658 to 1707. He was the son of Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, and was known for his strict adherence to Islamic law. Aurangzeb’s reign lasted nearly 50 years, making him one of the longest-serving rulers in Indian history.

Aurangzeb’s Services and Contributions to India

Despite being a controversial figure, Aurangzeb made significant contributions to the Indian subcontinent in various fields:

1. Military Expansion

Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, conquering large parts of South India, including the Deccan and modern-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. His military campaigns significantly increased the Mughal Empire’s reach.

2. Administrative Reforms

Aurangzeb was a strict administrator who worked towards a disciplined and centralized government. He reformed the revenue system and introduced a more organized taxation structure, which improved financial efficiency.

3. Infrastructure and Public Works

During his reign, Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of roads, bridges, mosques, and caravanserais (roadside inns for travelers). He also built the famous Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, often called the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan.”

4. Legal System

Aurangzeb codified Islamic law (Sharia) into official state policy. He compiled the Fatawa-e-Alamgiri, a legal text that served as a judicial guide for Islamic scholars and judges.

5. Religious Policies

Aurangzeb’s religious policies remain one of the most debated aspects of his rule. While he enforced strict Islamic laws, including banning certain festivals and imposing the Jizya tax on non-Muslims, his administration also had Hindu nobles and officers, including trusted commanders like Raja Jai Singh and Raja Jaswant Singh.

6. Economic Growth

Despite his heavy military spending, Aurangzeb’s reign saw economic growth in various sectors, including trade, handicrafts, and textiles. Mughal India remained one of the world’s largest economies during his rule.

Legacy and Controversy

Aurangzeb’s rule remains deeply controversial. While some historians credit him for his military prowess and administrative efficiency, others criticize him for his religious intolerance and harsh policies against non-Muslims. His execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689 remains a painful chapter in Maharashtra’s history, which is why many leaders, including Navneet Rana, oppose any positive reference to him.

His policies eventually weakened the Mughal Empire, leading to internal rebellions, including the rise of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By the time of his death in 1707, the Mughal Empire was already in decline, and within a century, it had collapsed under British rule.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Abu Azmi’s remarks on Aurangzeb highlights the deep political and historical sensitivities associated with the Mughal ruler’s legacy in India. Navneet Rana’s call for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave has further fueled the debate, with the Shiv Sena demanding strong action against Azmi. While Aurangzeb remains a significant historical figure, his legacy continues to spark heated discussions in contemporary Indian politics.

The incident also reflects how historical narratives are often used in political discourse, shaping public sentiment and influencing electoral strategies. Whether or not any action will be taken regarding Aurangzeb’s grave remains to be seen, but the controversy has once again brought his complex and polarizing legacy into the national spotlight.

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