“Somebody Who Lived 300 Years In the past…”: Uddhav Thackeray On Aurangzeb Grave Row
Mumbai:
Amid arson and vandalism in Maharashtra’s Nagpur – over calls for Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave be moved out of the state – ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday questioned the necessity for a face-off on this problem, mentioning the controversial ruler had died over 300 years in the past.
“If you need you may take away his grave…. however name C Naidu and Nitish Kumar…” he additionally quipped.
The reference to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (Chandrababu Naidu) and his Bihar counterpart – each key BJP allies – has been seen within the gentle of the Muslim inhabitants in every state, and the significance of their votes to the TDP and JDU, notably with elections subsequent yr within the latter state.
Mr Thackeray additionally threw in a second jab on the BJP, mentioning Aurangzeb had, in actual fact, been born in Gujarat; he was born in 1618 in Dahod in Gujarat and died close to Maharashtra’s Bhingar in 1707.
#WATCH | Mumbai: On Nagpur violence, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray says, “I’m not the Chief Minister, nor am I the House Minister, ask the Chief Minister who’s behind this (violence). As a result of the RSS headquarters is there. There’s a double-engine authorities right here; if… pic.twitter.com/VUTg58l7E9
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Uddhav Thackeray’s remark was echoed by his son Aaditya Thackeray, who accused the BJP of orchestrating this controversy to distract from the state authorities’s failures. In a pointy assault of his personal, Thackeray junior additionally accused the BJP of attempting to “make a Manipur of Maharashtra”.
“Sadly, when the BJP can not govern… they resort to violence and riots. If you happen to take a look at Manipur… that’s precisely what they need to convert Maharashtra to. They’re attempting to dig up the historical past of somebody who lived over 300 years in the past, however they can’t communicate concerning the future… the current.”
VIDEO | On Nagpur violence, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) says, “The BJP is shameless about it when it occurred within the hometown of the CM. Sadly, when the BJP can not govern, they resort to violence, riots, that is their set method in each state, if you happen to… pic.twitter.com/Jo9uFn24va
— Press Belief of India (@PTI_News) March 18, 2025
“The irony is the grave is protected by the central authorities…” he added.
Aurangzeb’s grave is a historic monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, a choice by an earlier administration that the Chief Minister has publicly rued, saying, “We wish the identical factor (to take away the grave) however it’s essential do it inside the framework of the regulation.”
Violence Over Mughal King’s Grave
Homes and retailers had been vandalised, autos had been set on fireplace, and practically 40 folks injured in violence that erupted Monday beginning 7.30 pm, reportedly after hardline group Vishwa Hindu Parishad burnt a photograph of the Mughal ruler wrapped in a inexperienced material to ‘symbolise his grave’.
READ | “Police Got here After They Ran Away”: Nagpur Residents Recall Horror
Based on Mr Fadnavis, this was a hearsay – a part of the “conspiracy” – and the VHP protesters had solely burnt a “symbolic grave with bundles of grass”. Nevertheless, after the hearsay was unfold, round 250 Muslims arrived on the VHP’s protest web site and threatened violence.
“When folks stated they might set autos on fireplace, police used power,” he stated.
Properties and retailers had been vandalised and autos set on fireplace in Nagpur (Credit score: PTI)
This morning Maharashtra’s junior House Minister, Yogesh Kadam, stated 47 folks have been detained up to now. He stated at the very least a dozen cops and two civilians had been badly injured.
The violence triggered a predictable political squabble between the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and the BJP and its ally, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.
‘Chhava‘ And A “Conspiracy”
Talking within the Meeting this afternoon, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed a “premeditated conspiracy… to focus on particular homes and institutions”.
And, in a twist that led to a scornful retort from the opposition’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, he additionally blamed ‘Chhava‘, a lately launched Hindi movie concerning the Marathas battle with Aurangzeb.
READ | Devendra Fadnavis’ ‘Chhaava’ Point out In Meeting On Nagpur Violence
Mr Shinde, was extra direct in his assaults, claiming a “pre- deliberate conspiracy to focus on folks belonging to a particular group” and declaring “patriotic Muslims won’t ever assist Aurangzeb”.
He additionally branded these defending Aurangzeb “traitors”.
The BJP-Shiv Sena’s allegations of an ‘opposition conspiracy’ behind the Nagpur violence had been firmly dismissed, with Uddhav Thackeray mentioning the clashes came about in a metropolis dwelling to the pinnacle workplace of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is the BJP’s ideological mentor.
“I’m not the Chief Minister… nor am I the House Minister. Ask the Chief Minister who’s behind this violence. As a result of the RSS headquarters is there. There’s a double-engine authorities right here and if it has failed, then they need to resign…” he instructed reporters.
The Congress has additionally responded, with its Legislature Celebration chief Vijay Wadettiwar saying on X, “Deliberate efforts are being made to unfold hatred and incite battle… by the ruling class”.
The state of affairs in Nagpur has calmed down, officers stated this morning. Nevertheless, a curfew and prohibitory orders – banning giant gatherings – stay in place in a number of areas, police stated.
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