Shiv Sena seeks removal of Aurangzeb Tomb's 'protected monument' status
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Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai announced on Thursday that the ruling Shiv Sena party has formally requested the Union government to revoke the 'protected monument' status of Aurangzeb's tomb, located in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
“Our party MP Rahul Shewale today met Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and put forth the demand in a memorandum to him,” Desai told PTI.
Shambhuraj Desai stated that once the protected monument status is lifted, the state government will take action in accordance with the law.
Organisations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have been demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.
Violence erupted in Nagpur on March 17 after protesters demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb's tomb allegedly burnt a picture of the Mughal emperor and a 'chadar' (green cloth). The situation quickly spiralled out of control, with a mob attacking homes, setting vehicles ablaze, and going on a rampage.
Aurangzeb's tomb, located about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a 'monument of national importance' under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
ASI is responsible for preserving monuments and archaeological sites of national importance under the Union Ministry of Culture.
The ASI protected sites include the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sanchi Stupa and Sun Temple at Konark.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced during the state legislature's budget session, which concluded on Wednesday, that the state government will ensure the protection of Aurangzeb's tomb but will not permit any glorification of the Mughal emperor. This statement was made in response to repeated demands and protests from various outfits calling for the tomb's removal.
"We will protect Aurangzeb's grave but not allow his or the site's glorification. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's temple will be glorified, not Aurangzeb's grave,” Fadnavis had said.
(inputs from PTI)