Will do 'Karseva' if Aurangzeb's tomb not removed: Sangh Parivar

Mumbai: Amid demands from BJP leaders to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have escalated their call for action, threatening to conduct 'karseva' (symbolic purification) if the government fails to act, IANS reported.

The two groups have planned protests outside tehsildar and district collector offices across Maharashtra, arguing that Aurangzeb's tomb is a divisive symbol that fosters communal discord.

BJP MLA in Maharashtra Ram Kadam blamed the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government for allowing people to glorify Aurangzeb.

"Some people in Maharashtra are hailing the invader Aurangzeb, and all this started during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure. Aurangzeb tortured and killed his own father, murdered his blood relatives deceitfully, misbehaved with them, and mistreated our Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also executed Veer Sambhaji and forcibly collected Jizya tax from people. Given all these historical facts, it is not right to respect such a person in our country," Kadam said.

However, he acknowledged that Aurangzeb's tomb is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) due to decisions made during the Congress rule.

"Since it falls under the ambit of law, certain procedures must be followed while respecting legal frameworks," he added.

The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's legacy continues to be a polarising issue in Maharashtra, with political and right-wing groups taking strong positions on historical narratives and their modern-day implications.