Raj Thackeray: Aurangzeb Tomb Advice

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Raj Thackeray cautioned against inciting communal tensions over Aurangzeb’s tomb.
He advised against reading history on WhatsApp and urged reliance on credible sources.
Thackeray accused political parties of instigating people in the name of history.
He reminded the audience of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s struggles.
Thackeray criticized religious and caste-based politics.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday condemned attempts to incite communal tensions over Aurangzeb’s tomb, urging people not to view history through the lens of caste and religion. The ongoing discussion surrounding Raj Thackeray and the Aurangzeb tomb has become a prominent issue. Addressing his annual Gudhi Padwa rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Thackeray cautioned against misleading historical narratives and WhatsApp forwards, asserting that history should be studied from credible sources rather than social media.

He criticized political efforts to stir controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, which have led to tensions and even violence in Nagpur. This situation raises questions about the manipulation of historical narratives for political gain.

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Thackeray questioned the relevance of such debates, stating, “We are not concerned about water bodies and trees, but we are worried about Aurangzeb’s tomb?” He warned against falling prey to divisive politics, saying, “People are being made to fight in the name of history, and politicians exploit these issues to fuel conflict.”

Thackeray emphasized that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb spent 27 years in Maharashtra fighting the Marathas, attempting to crush the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but ultimately failing. The legacy of Aurangzeb’s tomb remains a sensitive subject.

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“Aurangzeb wanted to kill a thought called Shivaji,” he said, adding that despite Shivaji Maharaj’s passing, Aurangzeb remained in Maharashtra in a failed attempt to erase his ideology. He reminded the audience that Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji’s son, had even given shelter to Aurangzeb’s son when he fled from Agra.

Responding to calls for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, Thackeray suggested that a board should be placed there stating, “We killed this king.” This proposal reflects the strong feelings surrounding this historical figure.

He also addressed the tomb of Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general slain by Shivaji Maharaj, noting that it could not have been built without the permission of Shivaji himself. He insisted that historical events must be understood in their proper context rather than being used to stoke communal divisions.

Taking a dig at those who derive their historical knowledge from movies, Thackeray remarked, “Hindus who feel awakened after watching a film are of no use. Did you learn about Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice because of Vicky Kaushal or about Aurangzeb because of Akshaye Khanna?” He was referring to the recent period drama Chhaava, which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Thackeray also criticised the current state of religious and caste-based politics, arguing that India’s progress cannot be based on religion alone. Citing Turkey as an example of a nation that reformed itself, he stated, “Religion should remain within the four walls of your home. A Hindu identifies as a Hindu only when Muslims take to the streets or during riots; otherwise, Hindus are divided by caste.”

He accused the BJP-led government of failing to deliver on its promises, particularly regarding the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. “I told you earlier, but you believed them and not me,” he said, as opposition parties continue to target the Mahayuti government for not increasing the financial assistance under the scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 as promised.

Thackeray also reiterated his party’s stance on the use of Marathi, asserting that it must be made mandatory for official purposes. “If you live here and don’t speak the language, you will be dealt with appropriately,” he warned.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember